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]