These stories about very old (nine years and over) ferrets are GREAT!  A few
have been sent to me at home, but I didn't see anything indicating that the
FML was getting them.  Could you, please, let folks know about your ancient
ones?
 
The sampling is done in such a way that NO real hard and fast conclusions
can be drawn, and the size is too small, anyway, but there are a few things
to THINK ABOUT so far: 1.  Many of the ferrets are or were long term
survivors of various ills (including one which was on Florinef for two years
after two complete adrenalectomies and eventually passed on for other
reasons -- something which was of interest since I haven't seen things here
before on very long term Florinef maintenance); once treated they showed
that life and enthusiasm go on (So, treat your sick ones, please.), 2.  The
ferrets reported to me were mostly MFs and mostly early neuter.  (Remember
that most U.S.  ferrets fit these categories so that doesn't say that these
enhance lifespans -- just that they do not necessarily decrease it,
indicating even more that REAL research on this is needed rather than the
rumors flying around, and meaning that you should NEVER refuse to treat a
ferret due to the source.), 3.  All but one (who had an unlimited food
supply) so far were on high quality diets, 4.  All of them (Caged/uncaged
has been split about 50/50.) had the chance to have at least three hours of
play each day, 5.  All owners with really old ferrets are ones who do not
stint on medical care, 6.  All said owners know the animals well enough to
notice changes which might spell trouble and respond rapidly and
appropriately, 7.  Many of the really old ones were also getting some food
supplementation (including the one on grocery quality cat food) such as
ducksoup or Timmy's Recipe (2 of them), 8.  All owners with really old
ferrets know ferrets well and are well read on them and on related topics.
 
There recently was someone here (Sorry, don't recall who it was, but IMHO
that person was right.) who was worried that too many people are adding too
many ferrets to their households too lightly and too rapidly.  It was
pointed out that a person should SERIOUSLY consider having only one or two
ferrets for an extended time at first to learn them WELL and to get a feel
for any potential problems.  In light of the knowledge levels and
willingness to not stint on medical care and to know ferrets backwards and
forwards of ALL -- repeat ALL -- the people whose ferrets HAVE lived
extended lives this makes even more sense.
 
Do I think most ferrets or even many will go on to have very, very long
lives?  No, but I DO suspect that more could than now are!  Heck, I want to
know what people are doing right so our's will live longer, too, and we've
had ferrets for around 15 years.  Any of us might have ferrets with the
genetics to live very happy and very long lives if WE have the knowledge and
medical resources to help them do so!  So, if you are tempted to go into a
"ferret-math" mode and you have not read several books on them, do not found
an excellent vet, have not read the FAQs and the Medical FAQs, then PLEASE,
consider going into an "information-math" mode instead to give your ferrets
their best chance at good long lives and to spare yourself heartbreak.
 
LET'S HEAR ABOUT MORE OF THE REALLY OLD FERRETS OUT THERE!!!!
 
Sukie
 
P.S.  Gary, replies bouncing.  Has sweet, ancient Bunny tried a broad
spectrum antibiotic?  We had recent experience here with a persistent
infection -- systemic infections (including some which might be antibiotic
resistant like this one, unfortunately) will blow nodes up, sometimes for an
extended period.
[Posted in FML issue 2107]