QUESTION:
I have had my poor boy to several different doctors in the Massachusetts area and still I have no resolution on this. They just keep referring me to specialists. I have spent almost $800 and still the eye is the same. Finances are becoming an issue and I can't seem to find the money tree in my backyard. With this said I am wondering if you could give me some suggestions on what I can do.

Peanut is 7 years old and still as playful as ever. About 2 months ago his eye became very swollen and is slightly protruding from his socket. I have been given eye drops and sent home to wait for the swelling to go down and then told to see a specialist in eyes etc. Unfortunately what people don't seem to understand is that I do not have the 1000's of dollars it will take to do all of the specialist testing needed to try to resolve this problem. He also has signs of adrenal disease as he is losing his hair on his back and itching all the time. I feel horrible that I just don't have the money or can find the money to help him. He is my baby and I am helpless.

Seeing if you can offer any advice to me.

ANSWER:
I can imagine your anguish about Peanut and I am sorry to hear you have spent so much money! Several ferrets I have cared for whilst running the shelter had similar problems and each was because of a tumor pushing against the eyeball.

Did anyone take an Xray of the eye? We tried all sorts of medications and my vet in Miami consulted with an eye specialist and we measured pressure etc.. used all kinds of medication, but in the end it was lymphoma, as I said in more than one ferret.

Some even had eyes removed but the tumors came back, not a very favorable subject, but it seems you need answers. There are other reasons for eyes to swell and my advice would be to go to the FERRET HEALTH SITE and look in the archives for information on eye problems. I believe you will find photos there to make a comparison, also if you can take a photo of peanut's eye, you might want to send it to the veterinarians on the list who could advise you better.

Please keep me informed as to Peanut's progress and at this point I would be more concerned about his eye, than his adrenal disease, thank you for asking.