Questions I receive frequently are concerning Adrenal Disease, so following are some SIGNS to help recognise this very common disease in ferrets.

Firstly I am not a veterinarian and therefore I cannot give you a diagnosis for your ferret's illnesses and even if I was a vet, it would be impossible to diagnose without actually seeing and examining the ferret.

A trip to a ferret knowledgable veterinarian will confirm the SIGNS as being adrenal disease, or perhaps some other illness the ferret may be experiencing, these signs are a provided as a guide only.

ADRENAL DISEASE usually presents itself by 'hairloss' starting at the rump and gradually increasing on either side symetrically. There can also be hairloss on top of the head, belly, tops of feet, shoulders etc.. but it is a hairloss without regrowth.

Ferrets shed hair seasonally and will often blow their coat causing alarm to their owners! This is a natural event which will take approximately 2 weeks, then the ferret will start to grow in a nice new coat, detected by a greyish color to the skin on SABLE ferrets. A ferret laxative such as LAXATONE should be given to keep the hair moving through and to prevent hairballs. This type of hairloss should not be confused with adrenal disease.

Another sign is CONSTANT ITCHING! Owners often try creams, lotions, changes in foods and with no results, if this is the case, then more than likely it is the beginning of adrenal disease and shortly after hairloss will be noticed.

In a female ferret often times the vulva swells and owners think the ferret is in 'heat', this is because the ferret's hormones are mimicing a 'heat' cycle. The danger exists for infection, since the vulva wil be wide open, therefore keeping the ferret clean, by washing with lukewarm water and a few drops of white vinegar will help. In this case a trip to a ferret knowledgable vet is essential, as not only will the ferret need the adrenal issue addressed, but also anemia may develop if left too long.

For male ferrets an even greater danger exists and that is infection or blockage of the urinary tract, caused by swelling of the prostate gland, not only is it very painfull but is an immediate threat to life. If you should see your ferret hopping in and out of the litter box, then he probably is unable to urinate. You may want to put white paper towel in the box to see if anything is being expelled, if not this is an EMERGENCY SITUATION that cannot wait, whether night or weekend! You will need to seek out a vet with emergency hours, BEFORE YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY!

Another sign of adrenal disease is exhibited by an 'overamorous' ferret, that will either lick you to death, or keep grooming their companions. With male ferrets it can be very aggresive behaviour that will cause his cage mates to cry out as he tries to mate with them. This is all due to the excessive production of the sex hormones, at this point it is best to seperate the ferrets to prevent the stress it causes.

Now as far as treatment! Make an appointment with a ferret knowledgable vet to discuss your options of treatment. Surgery is the best cure, however depending on the health/age of each individual ferret, there are other options and avenues to take.

Once it has been established that the ferret has adrenal disease, then you have time to make a well thought out decision as to treatment, unless of course your ferret is in a life threatening position, then an immediate decision will be needed.

For more information about
adrenal disease and insulinoma in domestic ferrets,
please visit the South Florida Help Line at:
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/