These stories about very old (nine years and over) ferrets are GREAT! A few have been sent to me at home, but I didn't see anything indicating that the FML was getting them. Could you, please, let folks know about your ancient ones? The sampling is done in such a way that NO real hard and fast conclusions can be drawn, and the size is too small, anyway, but there are a few things to THINK ABOUT so far: 1. Many of the ferrets are or were long term survivors of various ills (including one which was on Florinef for two years after two complete adrenalectomies and eventually passed on for other reasons -- something which was of interest since I haven't seen things here before on very long term Florinef maintenance); once treated they showed that life and enthusiasm go on (So, treat your sick ones, please.), 2. The ferrets reported to me were mostly MFs and mostly early neuter. (Remember that most U.S. ferrets fit these categories so that doesn't say that these enhance lifespans -- just that they do not necessarily decrease it, indicating even more that REAL research on this is needed rather than the rumors flying around, and meaning that you should NEVER refuse to treat a ferret due to the source.), 3. All but one (who had an unlimited food supply) so far were on high quality diets, 4. All of them (Caged/uncaged has been split about 50/50.) had the chance to have at least three hours of play each day, 5. All owners with really old ferrets are ones who do not stint on medical care, 6. All said owners know the animals well enough to notice changes which might spell trouble and respond rapidly and appropriately, 7. Many of the really old ones were also getting some food supplementation (including the one on grocery quality cat food) such as ducksoup or Timmy's Recipe (2 of them), 8. All owners with really old ferrets know ferrets well and are well read on them and on related topics. There recently was someone here (Sorry, don't recall who it was, but IMHO that person was right.) who was worried that too many people are adding too many ferrets to their households too lightly and too rapidly. It was pointed out that a person should SERIOUSLY consider having only one or two ferrets for an extended time at first to learn them WELL and to get a feel for any potential problems. In light of the knowledge levels and willingness to not stint on medical care and to know ferrets backwards and forwards of ALL -- repeat ALL -- the people whose ferrets HAVE lived extended lives this makes even more sense. Do I think most ferrets or even many will go on to have very, very long lives? No, but I DO suspect that more could than now are! Heck, I want to know what people are doing right so our's will live longer, too, and we've had ferrets for around 15 years. Any of us might have ferrets with the genetics to live very happy and very long lives if WE have the knowledge and medical resources to help them do so! So, if you are tempted to go into a "ferret-math" mode and you have not read several books on them, do not found an excellent vet, have not read the FAQs and the Medical FAQs, then PLEASE, consider going into an "information-math" mode instead to give your ferrets their best chance at good long lives and to spare yourself heartbreak. LET'S HEAR ABOUT MORE OF THE REALLY OLD FERRETS OUT THERE!!!! Sukie P.S. Gary, replies bouncing. Has sweet, ancient Bunny tried a broad spectrum antibiotic? We had recent experience here with a persistent infection -- systemic infections (including some which might be antibiotic resistant like this one, unfortunately) will blow nodes up, sometimes for an extended period. [Posted in FML issue 2107]