Finally, you can mix your own vitamin and mineral tonic using published resources as your guide. This is much easier than you might think, but it is not cheaper. The sole advantage is that if the ferret only needs a couple of vitamins or minerals, then that is all you will dose them with. I use this method, BUT I own the scales, magnetic mixers, and other equipment necessary for the task. Some pharmacies might be willing to mix the vitamin and mineral formulation for you, which is a good choice if you can afford the price. The exception that proves the rule for the above discussion of supplementing vitamins and minerals in ferrets is adrenal disease. In my study of ferret skeletons, I have noted adrenal ferrets display severe osteoporosis -- the thinning of their bones. In most cases the loss of density is moderate, but in neutered female ferrets it is especially severe. In 78% of neutered female skeletons suffering from known adrenal disease, I found a degree of bone damage that would be considered debilitating in humans. This includes collapsed bodies of vertebrae, damaged femoral necks and heads, thinned and broken ribs, crushed tail vertebrae, crushed, broken or warped transverse and spinal processes on thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, and up to 60% density loss in the bones of the pelvis and extremities. Those findings are pretty profound, and while it doesn't offer evidence WHY adrenal disease is associated with osteoporosis, or HOW it causes it, the association between thin bones and having adrenal disease is clear. I cannot ethically or morally suggest calcium supplementation be done on adrenal ferrets because I do not know what would occur if such supplementation took place; it is conceivable it might cause additional harm without careful veterinary supervision. Calcium is an important electrolyte and unsupervised supplementation could potentially be dangerous, either directly or by influencing levels of other elecrolytes. But I do think osteoporosis in adrenal ferrets should be one of the things vets look for and treat. If properly treated, adrenal ferrets may have less mobility problems and a better quality of life. Bob C [Posted in FML issue 4408]