I agree with your statement that these subjects have only comme out in
the open the last few years.  That is probably because of not only the FML,
but folks like you and I and a few others who see alot of ferrets, ask
questions, consult and pay attention to our vets, and then communicate what
we know on the public media such as the FML.  I honestly want you too know
that highly respect your opinions, advice and/or any corrections that have
come from you to me.
 
With respect to a study done in Denmark recently that did not even
involve ferrets from the U.S., their median age for the onset of
hyperadrenocorticism was 5 yrs old.  Their study was a compilation of their
own project and data rec'd from a Dutch university.  It was posted in JAVMA
Jan 15, 2000 .  For any one wanting a copy of this study, pleasse send me
your address or fax # and I will send you a copy.  Also, Sukie, if you know
someone who can assist me in applying for grant for 5m to start with for
the purpose of researching the many common problems that are related to
domestic ferrets.  I was told by someone close to secret project conducted
BLM that they received a grant of 300 million and 300,000 acres to
reintroduce wild blackfoots to Colorado, Wyoming and Montana.  The project
failed miserably.  I think if it's done right that 5m to start is not
asking to much.  I further concur with your statement about us folks in the
ferret community "knowing all" and using something that I myself am guilty
of, guesstimations.  Even though I keep extremely good records for future
projects, some things I just don't have time for, so I guesstimate.
 
I have been tying for years to let people know that fruits and veggies are
not beneficial to ferrets.  A few treats may not hurt them, but a steady
diet is just asking for trouble.
 
Your response to the meat subject was interesting, but if you don't mind, I
would like to add somthing for all to think about.  Domestic ferrets are
genetically different than wild ferrets, just like a cat is genetically
different than a lion.  Domestic ferrets that consume mice run a risk of
tapeworm infestation from mice.  I also have heard recently that cats who
eat mice can come down with a disease called toxicplasmosis.  This disease
can be passed to human infants and cause brain swelling, retardation and
other things.  Simple precautions such as wearing gloves when cleaning
litter boxes are sufficient so all you moms that have babies don't panic.
I don't know if this applies to ferrets as they aren't the same, but it
one more thing to kick around.
 
It is a fact that this posting is long enough, right Bill(sorry, but my
brain and body have been through alot since May 14th.)  So hugs to all
especially those cutie pies that gives us so much joy.
 
Ferretguy
 
[Moderator's note: No need to apologize about your brain -- my brain
obviously hasn't been right for years since I'm still doing this!  BIG]
[Posted in FML issue 3104]