Gerry, I hate to have to say this but it sounds like you need a vet who knows ferrets, even just the statement equating 6 years of age to 80 in humans is worrisome. 6 is more like 60 in humans. Having no idea why any died is worrisome. I have never heard of any having a fatal response to Lupron but I'd guess it is possible if the ferret had something like a rare allergy, but the circumstance don't add up. A ferret with an adrenal growth that is going to respond to Lupron isn't a candidate for ICU, and you'd want to have the individual stabilized first before trying something like that. One with adrenally based lymphoma/lymphosarcoma might be a candidate for ICU, of course, and that comes in clumps. Here is a list of places which can help find ferret-knowledgeable vets: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ferret-Health-list/files/FML-shelter-list.html http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ferret-Health-list/files/FerretVets.html http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc http://www.quincyweb.net/quincy/vet.html http://www.thepetproject.com/starferrets.html http://www.ferretcentral.org For what did they give the ferrets Pred and in what mg doses? Pred is a useful med, but it can increase ulcerations in animals which already have them, or cause them in very large doses. Black and tarry stools are a clear indication of ulceration and you saw that in them. In that case there are standard approaches. Yes, if there is already an undiagnosed ulcer, or if the dose is too high ulcers can worsen or start. Usually, ferrets are incredibly resistant to side effects of steroids, but this is an exception. >I was writing to see if anyone has used the Weezl Watchr ferret gate? It's WONDERFUL and it doesn't shatter if someone trips over it, unlike the cheaper, made-at-home versions! We have had two for YEARS. Gosh, it's got to be a minimum of 5 years so far, likely more. Steve'a a tall guy, weighing over 200 pounds and having size 14 A feet. His feet catch on these a few times each and every week and they go flying. So far neither even has a crack. At one point I thought that one had a small crack but it's an outer coating that was peeling a touch. >i have had to catapult a chain link fence, once to catch a ferret on the >loose, and i am only 5'2" tall, never thought this 50 year old body could >do something like that :-) Amazing what things stay for decades from gym class (or anything from years ago). I had a spill and almost slammed my head into a rail; instead I automatically did a flip and came up on my feet on the other side. Like you, I have no idea how I did it; my body just knew how, the adrenaline kicked in, and it just happened. >Do we have anyone on this site who is in France. Also, go to the non-U.S. listings at http://www.ferretcentral.org and you will find ferret groups in many nations. [Posted in FML issue 3803]