Nan, yes, ferrets are *not* inclined toward most of the side effects of
steroids which plague other species.  The one bad one which shows up in a
decent minor percentage is GI ulcers.  On a lesser note, a few of the
ferrets who are on steroid therapy in large enough doses long term can
wind up with fur loss from that.  It's one of the good ways that ferrets
vary from other species.
 
Suzi,
 
Insulinoma and Adrenal growths are just very common endocrinological
diseases (although still in the minority) in ferrets.  *IF* some ferrets
have MEN (multiple endocrinological neoplasia) variant genetics then that
could increase that individual's risk of both.  There is a way to have a
more direct relationship between diabetes and adrenal growths as you will
see in this vet post: http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org/browse.php?msg=SG6649
including
>First how can adrenal gland disease cause diabetes?
>1) If it is overproducing cortisol (~5% will) then the cortisol
>   can cause diabetes.
>2) If it is overproducing progestogens (~55% will) then the progestogen
>   can cause diabetes.
>3) If the ferret is obese then the excessive fat can cause diabetes.
 
and interestingly, some diabetic ferrets get better control of their
diabetes if Lupron Depots are used.
 
Current typical treatments for insulinoma: surgery, Prednisolone,
Diazoxide
 
Current typical treatments for adrenal neoplasia: surgery, Lupron
Depots, melatonin (oral or implant) (Lysodren is not really in favor
any more due to it not working at all on some and causing adrenal
atrophy with Addisonian results (needing Prednisolone or Dex and either
Florinef/Fludrocort or Percorten.)
 
Adrenal disease in ferrets is virtually always hormonal in over-done
outputs rather than being Cushingoid.
 
It seems to be me that IF PETsMART is actually going to make sure that
the kits are 12 weeks of age to be old enough to safely have their rabies
vax before sale, AND if they are NOT going to sell near any shelters but
will instead allow the shelters to use their facilities to increase
adoptions that then PETsMART will be setting part of the sort of
responsible example which we all here repeatedly say that we want to
encounter from the industry.  Now, I am kind of inclined to believe
promises when I see them pan out (having been burned before) but if they
really do this and shelters take advantage of the adoption connections
this could wind up working out better than what is usually seen as long
as the volumes of ferrets sold is not large and as long as buyers are
first helped to understand the needs of ferrets and encouraged not to
buy when the people can't meet those needs (which also means training
employees well).  If the words are only words then that is a different
matter, of course.
[Posted in FML issue 4703]