Nan, yes, ferrets are *not* inclined toward most of the side effects of steroids which plague other species. The one bad one which shows up in a decent minor percentage is GI ulcers. On a lesser note, a few of the ferrets who are on steroid therapy in large enough doses long term can wind up with fur loss from that. It's one of the good ways that ferrets vary from other species. Suzi, Insulinoma and Adrenal growths are just very common endocrinological diseases (although still in the minority) in ferrets. *IF* some ferrets have MEN (multiple endocrinological neoplasia) variant genetics then that could increase that individual's risk of both. There is a way to have a more direct relationship between diabetes and adrenal growths as you will see in this vet post: http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org/browse.php?msg=SG6649 including >First how can adrenal gland disease cause diabetes? >1) If it is overproducing cortisol (~5% will) then the cortisol > can cause diabetes. >2) If it is overproducing progestogens (~55% will) then the progestogen > can cause diabetes. >3) If the ferret is obese then the excessive fat can cause diabetes. and interestingly, some diabetic ferrets get better control of their diabetes if Lupron Depots are used. Current typical treatments for insulinoma: surgery, Prednisolone, Diazoxide Current typical treatments for adrenal neoplasia: surgery, Lupron Depots, melatonin (oral or implant) (Lysodren is not really in favor any more due to it not working at all on some and causing adrenal atrophy with Addisonian results (needing Prednisolone or Dex and either Florinef/Fludrocort or Percorten.) Adrenal disease in ferrets is virtually always hormonal in over-done outputs rather than being Cushingoid. It seems to be me that IF PETsMART is actually going to make sure that the kits are 12 weeks of age to be old enough to safely have their rabies vax before sale, AND if they are NOT going to sell near any shelters but will instead allow the shelters to use their facilities to increase adoptions that then PETsMART will be setting part of the sort of responsible example which we all here repeatedly say that we want to encounter from the industry. Now, I am kind of inclined to believe promises when I see them pan out (having been burned before) but if they really do this and shelters take advantage of the adoption connections this could wind up working out better than what is usually seen as long as the volumes of ferrets sold is not large and as long as buyers are first helped to understand the needs of ferrets and encouraged not to buy when the people can't meet those needs (which also means training employees well). If the words are only words then that is a different matter, of course. [Posted in FML issue 4703]