Debbie Kemmerer DVM wrote:-
>Descenting is not about smell, it is about good health.
 
Is it only American ferrets that suffer from anal sac cancer?  I have been
asking around other ferret keepers and rescue centres in the UK.  One centre
has been in operation 12 years and has had approximately 600 ferrets through
it's hands - no known cases of anal sac cancer - they'd had ferrets that
have died due to cardiomyopathy, lymphosarcoma, one suspected adrenal
cancer, kidney failure, liver failure etc as well as old age!
 
Rescue centre number two been in operation 8 years with something like 1000
ferrets rescued, some have been rehomed, but the lady running the rescue has
always kept in touch with the adopters.  Once again no known cases of anal
sac cancer, just cardiomyopathy, lymphosarcoma, one case of adrenal cancer
etc.
 
These two rescue centres invariably get a post-mortem done on any ferrets
they lose so any cancer in this region would be found.
 
I have been running a rescue for just over 4 years and no cases of anal sac
cancer - I've lost two ferrets with lymphosarcoma.  No signs of any problems
at all because they haven't been descented, and besides which British vets
regard the operation as unethical.
 
Like Urban, I too, would like to see facts & figures to support your
continued insistence that descenting is "good" for ferrets.  Adrenal tumours
are the cause of many sad deaths in US ferrets yet you wouldn't advocate the
removal or partial removal of the glands as a preventative measure!
 
45 B.F.W. ferrets, "OK gang altogether now - let us spray!"
Spock the lurcher, "I suppose you guys think that's funny"
 
Sheila
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Bolton Ferret Welfare
National Ferret Welfare Society Newsletter Editor
http://www.btinternet.com/~sheila/ferrets.htm (Last Update 27 Jan 1998)
Waiting at Rainbow Bridge: Jill & Deanna Troi
[Posted in FML issue 2203]