I've been reading all the posts about adrenal tumors, insulinomas, lymphomas, etc. in ferrets, and more on various websites about these diseases. I've seen repeated mentions of the possibility that early neutering is the cause, at least with regard to adrenal disease. I've also seen frequent mention of at least one large breeder that's apparently been in business for quite some time (I won't mention the name as I'm sure most will know who I'm referring to). I have to wonder this: is it just vaguely possible that repeated overbreeding/inbreeding within the same stock of ferrets is leading to these dreadful illnesses? Genetically speaking, inbreeding just strengthens the weaknesses in animals which would seem to increase the chances that these conditions could be perpetuated and worsened over time. Do ferrets from other parts of the world have the same incidence of cancers? And could more careful breeding (such as cross breeding from different stock) produce a healthier, less disease-prone animal? And am I correct that there are no known ferrets living in the wild anymore? For if there were wild ferrets, I wonder if they have the same risk/occurence rate for cancers as domestic ones do. I would appreciate anyone responding, and commenting on this. And one more quick question.....what is the average age to which ferrets usually live? I've been told 6 is old for a ferret, yet mine is over 8 years old.....my vet says she is the second oldest ferret she's ever seen. Just curious...... Mary (with the fuzzball Wheezy watching from my shoulder) [Posted in FML issue 4454]