Edward asks
>can we get a short, terse meaningful summary of what you, as a
>Symposium attendee, learned

Here are a few things:

That grief, depression and compassion fatigue are a natural result of
caring for many sick and dying ferrets, and that a good support system
of friends and family who understand is the best defense.

That although there is no cure for ADV, you can help an ADV+ ferret
live a more comfortable life.

That there a many tests that ferrets DON'T generally need.

That kibble is not evil and is not a major cause of dental disease.
Nevertheless, we would be wise to try to provide a more varied,
interesting and natural diet for our ferrets.

That there are several promising new drugs that may prove useful in
the treatment of adrenal disease.

That we have made excellent progress in restoring the black-footed
ferret to the wild, and that further success depends more on politics
and social issues than biology and science.

That clicker training your ferret can be fun and rewarding for both
you and your ferret.

That ferret people are generous, good hearted and fun!

And many other things, but you wanted short.

Linda

[Posted in FML 5658]