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Ferret Adrenal Disease If you have had or are going to have a domestic ferret, then you will most likely be concerned with this common disease. Current theory suggests this disease may be caused by spaying and neutering at too early an age, causing an increase in the hormone estrogen in both males and females. This hormone increase has been found to cause the outward signs of disease you see at home. This however has not been found to be the case in other species such as dogs or cats. Other factors such as inbreeding, diets, excessive daylight, and genetics may also play a part (as evidenced by European ferrets rarely having this disease). Signs you may see in your pet vary and can include reproductive, skin and behavioral changes. The most common sign is progressive hair loss beginning at the tail and progressing towards the head but often sparing the head, the neck and legs. Other signs include swollen vulva and vaginal discharge in the female, and straining to urinate in the male due to prostate enlargement. Return to mating behavior (even though they are fixed) excessive weight loss, anemia, ravenous appetite and excessive weight gain, scratching and frequent urination may occur or combinations of all of these signs. Although there are diagnostic blood tests for this condition, the signs are so obvious and common your money is better spent towards proper treatment. Treatment of Ferret Adrenal Disease is best accomplished by surgery. Although the left side adrenal tumor is easily removed with standard methods, the right side usually requires ferret cryosurgery to be safe and successful. This is your best bet for a permanent solution. This can cost from $275 - $800. Medical treatment is available in many forms. Lupron, a once-a-month or every four months injection is expensive at $80/month or $300+/four months. A melatonin implant is available that lasts 3 months at about $50+. Although the hair re-grows, these treatments do not have any effect on the tumor itself and it continues to grow and may eventually debilitate the animal or in some cases turn cancerous. Additional new treatments are on the horizon. Ferret surgeries and treatments, many on older animals between 7 and 10 years often bought them many months or years of quality life. Jack Landess DVM, AEMV, ARAV, AWV, Nokomis Veterinary/Exotic Clinic, 405 Albee Rd., Nokomis, 941-484-2485. RETURN |
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