Debbie Kemmerer DVM wrote:- >Descenting is not about smell, it is about good health. Is it only American ferrets that suffer from anal sac cancer? I have been asking around other ferret keepers and rescue centres in the UK. One centre has been in operation 12 years and has had approximately 600 ferrets through it's hands - no known cases of anal sac cancer - they'd had ferrets that have died due to cardiomyopathy, lymphosarcoma, one suspected adrenal cancer, kidney failure, liver failure etc as well as old age! Rescue centre number two been in operation 8 years with something like 1000 ferrets rescued, some have been rehomed, but the lady running the rescue has always kept in touch with the adopters. Once again no known cases of anal sac cancer, just cardiomyopathy, lymphosarcoma, one case of adrenal cancer etc. These two rescue centres invariably get a post-mortem done on any ferrets they lose so any cancer in this region would be found. I have been running a rescue for just over 4 years and no cases of anal sac cancer - I've lost two ferrets with lymphosarcoma. No signs of any problems at all because they haven't been descented, and besides which British vets regard the operation as unethical. Like Urban, I too, would like to see facts & figures to support your continued insistence that descenting is "good" for ferrets. Adrenal tumours are the cause of many sad deaths in US ferrets yet you wouldn't advocate the removal or partial removal of the glands as a preventative measure! 45 B.F.W. ferrets, "OK gang altogether now - let us spray!" Spock the lurcher, "I suppose you guys think that's funny" Sheila [log in to unmask] Bolton Ferret Welfare National Ferret Welfare Society Newsletter Editor http://www.btinternet.com/~sheila/ferrets.htm (Last Update 27 Jan 1998) Waiting at Rainbow Bridge: Jill & Deanna Troi [Posted in FML issue 2203]