to: Gugge Tvrnquist <> Subject: When to neuter. WAS: My ferret's behavior is changing... In the U.S., the only reason for early spay / neutering is for the convience of the pet shop, consumers, and the laboratories. In fact, I have a paper written by Dr. Judi Bell, Vet at Marshall Farms (the largest ferret breeder in the states) and even she makes the statement that descenting is unnecessary! But US consumers have it through their thick heads [no one on this board included :)] that a ferret will smell better if descented. Early spay / neutering does seem related to a shorter life span. There do NOT seem to be any health benefits because adrenal cancers are more promenent in "convinience kits" than in ferrets from a small breeder. STAR* has done a few surveys on cancers and lifespan. And just from plain observation while dealing with 150 ferrets a year through my shelter. There have been no true scientific studies done to my knowledge. Pam/Shelters That Adopt & Rescue Ferrets [Posted in FML issue 1120]