Concerned about ferret health issues

Question
Hi!
I am an animal lover and have always liked ferrets but never owned one. Now that I have two boys that share my love of animals (ages 10 and 13) I have extra excuses to add another addition to our family :o) We currently have 1 older golden retriever and 3 chihuahuas that are all spoiled rotten. We have been wanting a ferret and I have been trying to do plenty of research on them before getting one ..however I am a bit discouraged about some of the negatives I am hearing. I understand they are loveable little creatures that do get into everything and must be supervised unless in a safe "ferret proof" place or cage and need lots of love and attention. That I am not worried about. I have heard that sooner or later most ferrets do get sick and require surgery. Is this true? I also don't want the boys (and myself) to be in for a heartbreak if they get sick often. Am I worrying too much or are there plenty of them that do ok and are healthy? Thank you in advance for any info. you can provide. I don't have any personal friends or no anyone personally to ask.

Answer
Dear Karen,

Congratulations on your decision to add a pet to your family!

Let me start by saying this: Beware when you add a ferret to the family.  You will fall in love, and hard.  You all will.  You may even end up with two or three at one point!  I know you're shaking your head right now, but you just watch.  

No, not all ferrets get sick "eventually".  That's a myth, and a very inaccurate myth at that.  I can not give you a percentage or any professional numbers, but I will tell you this:  I've known thirteen ferrets from their births to their deaths, and 12 of those ferrets lived full, healthy lives with minimal sickness (a cold here, a hairball there).  That's not saying much, but I know of at least 20 more that are anywhere from 2-7 without a sick day yet.

I think these people are referring to insulinoma (a cancer of the pancreas) and adrenal disease.  These are "common" in ferrets, but not so much that even half of all ferrets will get it.  Its just something to be aware of, much like certain dog breeds (labs have bad hips, etc.).

When you go to the breeder or pet store, look at each ferret closely.  Ferrets are very sleepy animals, they sleep around 18 hours a day - but when they are up, they should be very alert and curious and excited to meet you.  Avoid sluggish, lethargic animals and steer towards the one thats jumping up and down trying to climb on to you!  Make sure eyes, ears and nose are clear of any fluid.  

If you need any thing else, I would be more than happy to assist you.

Sincerely
Stephenie