Message Number: YG12340 | New FHL Archives Search
From: Dan Muldoon
Date: 2002-04-08 12:55:00 UTC
Subject: Update: Pillowcase-sucking weasel

I had posted earlier about Oscar my neutered male that "sucks" on a
pillowcase or similar cloth while hugging the rest of it with his legs.
Several responses came back that collectively pointed to two possibilities:
regressive nursing behavior or early adrenal disease. It would seem that
pillowcase-sucking in and of itself isn't enough to conclude that a tumor is
present but is a "yellow flag."

Not wanting him cut open, I had my veterinarian send in blood for the
Tennessee adrenal panel. The results came back completely negative. That,
and the lack of any other symptoms, led my vet and I to conclude that
chances are Oscar does not have adrenal disease. Perhaps he's just a
neurotic ferret. :-) If I ever have another ferret that starts this
behavior I'd have him tested as well.

Dan Muldoon
Omaha, NE