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Ferrets are prone to a variety of diseases and illnesses. Adrenal disease in ferrets is considered a common health problem that can be fatal if left untreated. Adrenal means "near the kidney" which is precisely where these glands are located. These small glands have two components which take on different functions within the ferret's body.

The cortex produces the hormones glucocorticoids, mineralcorticoids, and andgrogens while the medulla creates adrenaline and noradrenaline. Ferrets are diagnosed with adrenal disease when tumors form on the adrenal glands or when the glands don't function properly. The adrenal gland can grow and produce incorrect amounts of these hormones which are released into the bloodstream creating a variety of health issues.

The symptoms of adrenal disease can mimic other ferret disorders with the most common sign being hair loss. Alopecia (hair loss) typically begins on the tail and advances up the ferret's body. Female ferrets may have a swollen vulva with spayed females appearing to be in estrus. It is still unclear as to why these symptoms occur with adrenal disease.

Other symptoms of this serious disease include scratching, a drop in weight, lethargy, increase thirst and excessive urination. When left untreated, adrenal disease can create problems with body movement especially with the hind legs. More than half of all ferrets with adrenal disease are females and are over two years of age.

Treatments for adrenal disease are limited with the best option being surgery to remove one or both of the glands. For ferrets unable to undergo surgery, certain drugs can be prescribed that are meant to kill off cells within the cortex. This treatment is commonly only used when surgery is not an option for the ferret.

Lupron Depot is also available for treating adrenal disease in ferrets however; this treatment does not cure adrenal disease. Injections are given to the ferret periodically which stops the hair loss and decreases the size of the vulva. Veterinarians also only recommend this treatment when surgery is not an option. Other drug therapy treatments are available such as melatonin and lysodren treatments but will not rid a ferret of adrenal disease and many times are unsuccessful. Lysodren treatment can also lead to other health problems especially within the liver of the ferret.

Pet owners should seek veterinarian care at the first sign of hair loss with their ferret. A common misconception is that adrenal disease only causes minor cosmetic problems such as hair loss. The symptoms can progress leading to a poor quality of life for the ferret and even worse, can be fatal. With proper treatment, a ferret with adrenal disease should re-grow their coat and will have no long-term effects on their quality of life.

References:
THE SIMPLE GUIDE TO FERRETS, by Bobbye Land, copyright 2003.

http://www.ferretcentral.org/f aq/med/adrenal.html

Learn more about this author, Angela Pollock.
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