by Douglas Black

Created on: February 17, 2009   Last Updated: March 23, 2009

Ferrets are often considered exotic among many other domesticated pets, but despite their genetic link to the common weasel, they still have won the hearts of many pet owners the world over. Unfortunately ferrets are also predisposed to an awful condition known as Adrenal Disease, which affects nearly over half of all American owned ferrets. Although the pathology of this disease is about as elusive as a definitive cure, it has recently been considered that adrenal disease is linked to light cycles and conditions involving domestication.

-Adrenal Glands-

To unravel the adrenal disease we must take a brief look at the name. Ad- meaning near, or at, and -Rene- meaning kidney, which means it is a disease affecting something at or near the kidneys. The suprarenal glands, or adrenal glands are small triangular shaped glands that sit at the top of our kidneys. The main function of the adrenal glands is to regulate production of important hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, steroids, cortisol, and cortisone, which is necessary for sexual production, healing and metabolizing food. The adrenal glands also produce adrenaline (epinephrine), norepinephrine, and dopamine. Sounds like allot for two little glands, but nobody ever said biology was simple.

The adrenal glands are constructed of two unique portions, both which are instructed via the central nervous system. The first component; the Adrenal Medulla is the core of the adrenal gland, and it is surrounded by the second structure known as the Adrenal Cortex. The medulla is responsible for producing the body's main source of catecholamine, which binds to plasma protein in blood that is circulated via the bloodstream. This chemical hormone simplified is what produces our "fight or flight" reaction when we are under extreme duress. Once activated it triggers a process that quickly begins to convert the hormone into dopamine to norepinephrine, and eventually into epinephrine, which produces increased strength to name a few. Just check out the movie Crank, if you want a really good comparative.

-Adrenal Disease-

Adrenal disease or Adrenal associated endocrinopathy, has been linked to both genetics and a conditioning that occurs as a ferret reaches sexual maturity, which is also more common with spayed or neutered ferrets. The disorder has a few variances such as adrenocortical hypeplasia, which is a proliferation of adrenal gland cells, as well as the presence of both malignant (cancerous) and benign tumors. Once this disorder

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