I wanted to revisit the topic of ferrets dying earlier than other animals
or having more diseases.  I'm just not convinced that ferrets are just
as healthy as other animals.  I know that there is a danger in comparing
species, but of the numerous animals I have taken in, it seems only
ferrets have the major complications.  Almost every single pet I have had
died of "natural" causes.  Passing away peacefully while they slept after
having reached or surpassed their expected life span.  Of the six ferrets
I have had, two are still alive (one of which is 8 he other is 4 no
apparent health problems), three died of disease (lymphoma, adrenal, and
a mystery) and the last passed away around 7-8, cause unknown.  Besides
my experience, adrenal, lymphoma and a host of others are classified as
"common" in ferrets; yet I have never heard of a group of diseases that
are "common" in dogs or cats.  Perhaps I am just bitter at the loss of my
little friends and regret not spending more time, but the answers to this
question did not seem satisfying.  I think the closest we got was on
breeding practices.  I would just like someone smarter than me (not hard)
to tell me why ferrets suffer so many more diseases.
 
James, Melissa & Kassidy
 
Loving:  Bebe, Riley
Missing: Wheezer, Pym, Rikki, Jako
[Posted in FML issue 4170]