>The large shelter survey found that among in-shelter ferrets there was a >higher incidence (of adrenals); the two large non-shelter surveys did not >find a greater incidence among Marshall ferrets One reason there is a higher incidence of adrenals at shelters is because people who have adrenal ferrets tend not to want to put out the money for surgery, and turn in the ferret to a shelter - I'll reword my annual survey to reflect "ferrets coming in with adrenal problems" vs "ferrets developing adrenal problems while AT the shelter". And since stress can be a factor of bringing on health issues, abandong a ferret in a strange environment with other unknown ferrets and routines can cause adrenals to appear early, not to mention getting ECE and other factors. (According to STAR*'s 1998 survey of the year 1997): Since 62% of the ferrets at shelters are MF, yet 85% of the ferrets with adrenal issues had the double dot tattoo, it could be surmised that the people who buy from pet shops and then turn them into shelters are not caring for the ferrets properly (diet, exercise, lighting, etc.) and the ferrets develope issues that the owners don't want to take to a vet and get resolved. I DON'T think the problem lies in the shelters, but in the education people get when they pick up the ferret. Remember, only 11% of the TOTAL shelter population reported had adrenal issues. They just occured more in MF ferrets, which points to source more than anything. I presently have three ferrets in my household with adrenals - two are "homegrowns" and one is MF - all are 7 years old. As to operating on older ferrets - it depends on the state of the ferret, not the age. I regularly have 5 & 6 year old ferrets undergo surgery. One 7 year old just had a biopsy done. One of my 7 year olds has adrenal, cardio, and insulinoma - this is NOT a good case for surgery, but he is comfortable with medication. Pam [Posted in FML issue 2484]