Otto had to be put to sleep April 17, 2002.

He had adrenal cancer. The disease isn't uncommon in ferrets, but Otto's tumor was on the right adrenal, and closely nestled against the vena cava. The majority are on the left and are more easily removed.

The majority of adrenal tumors don't metastasize. Otto's did, and moved to his kidneys. We knew it was coming back when he started losing his hair but he seemed to feel okay and I decided to leave him be until he showed signs that he wasn't happy.

The tumors secrete hormones and in Otto's case these caused his prostate to enlarge very suddenly and block his urethra. He had been fine, bumming treats and attenation, but within 24 hours he was at the vet's. On the whole I suppose this was a more merciful course of disease.

He's buried next to Lucy.