> Where does this stuff come from? The poor Ferretone people are probably > getting inundated with complaints, and have no idea why. I don't either. I > can't find any reference to an actual case of vitamin A toxicosis in an > animal in the last ten years (other than experimental). Dear Susie, Many people are under the impression that Vitamin A is the only potential threat concerning Linatone and ferretone. As you so deftly put it, there have not been many cases of such a toxicity in ferrets, although one may wish to qualify that by stating the very likely possibility of many cases of such either going unrecognized, misdiagnosed, or just completely ignored. Ferret metabolism is still apparently an open discussion. Many ferret owners and many vets are completely ferret dumb [no slam here, as I was one of those owners]. It's just the nature of things to take things for granted. The Vitamin A toxicity remains an argueable hypothesis at best. Even in Humans, symptoms of Vitamin A megadoses are generally rectified by simply discontinuing use and perhaps many cases go unreported. Vitamin A toxicity in Humans is still a debatable issue. Thanks for the bit about the polar bear liver, I had all but forgotten that little piece of data uncovered so many years ago. Unfortunately, Linatone and Ferretone also contain an extremly high content of fatty acids. This, according to some, presents a much clearer and probable threat to ferrets, and these cases have fortunately been diagnosed and aptly treated. In fact, the mere notion of possible involvement in a lawsuit involving these supplements has thrwarted some vets from responding to a survey. Bill[Zen...]and I are currently in the processs of compiling data to better define an appropriate amount for ferrets, as "treat" amounts and "moderation" are poor operational definitions and some home-made substitutions are apparently worse than the original. Mr. Killian and I have started this procedure on somewhat opposite sides of the coin, so the results should be fairly balanced. Hopefully when all of this data are compiled we can put this particular great debate to rest [perhaps], or at least be able to offer solid advice to new and experienced ferret owners for the good of ferrets everywhere. Until then, and probably for some time to come, I have greater sympathy for ferrets than a corporation. In the meantime, I would suggest you widen your scope to include all possible hazards concerning these two "supplements", unless of course, you are exclusively concerned with Vit A. I hope this reply begins to answer your original question. best wishes, until next time, alphachi [Posted in FML issue 1879]