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 is present it can cause an over-abundant release of hormone production, which spawns the visible symptoms of the disease.
-Symptoms of Adrenal Disease-
The first clinically proven sign of adrenal disease is visible hair loss or
alopecia. Since ferrets are naturally affected by seasonal change, shedding away their winter coat each year, the first signs could be hard to detect. Immediate or sudden hair loss around the tail is the first indication of adrenal disease, which will soon progress upwards toward the upper body, eventually moving toward the underbelly and other extremities. Eventually, the only remaining hair will be near the head and feet, which to most animal practitioners is conclusive of an adrenal condition.
Female ferrets commonly may display an enlarged vulva, which may also purport a small increase in a watery mucus discharge. Unfortunately females make up approximately seventy percent of most known cases, which may be due to increased estrogen production. Males may also have irregular or sustained periods without urination, which is mainly due to a prostate enlargement that occurs.
Both male and female ferrets can also show signs of thinning or muscle mass depletion, which is common since adrenal glands are partly responsible for nutrient metabolism. Ferrets in the later stages will also show a lack of motivation, depression, and will become weak and lethargic. If you notice a severe character change, such as being less playful or sleeping more often, it might be a good idea to have your furry pal checked out.
The last symptom is not as common, but increased aggressive behavior, heavy panting and unusual displays of territorial marking, are also linked to an imbalance in hormones in the adrenal glands.
-What to do-
Although treatment varies from case to case, surgical intervention is prevalent in most adrenal disease solutions. Surgical process involves the full removal of an affected gland, and in some cases, partial removal of the second. When the right gland is suspected a partial or subtotal removal may be considered, due to the proximity risk of being so close to the vena cava (main vein). Once removal has been completed the risk of recurrence is significantly depleted, however signs of further lesions and tumors are still possible. Some ferrets may require multiple surgeries, removing other parts of the adrenal gland, but this procedure is difficult for normal recovery.
Another treatment involves medicinal intervention, which involves either one of two commonly used drugs. If a ferret is incapable of surviving surgery, or if it has already been subjected to an adrenal gland removal, the next only option may involve a commonly used drug like Lysodren. Unfortunately Lysodren
is not only expensive, but it also has a myriad of inhospitable side-affects, such as severe nausea, dehydration, which both can impact glucose levels.
Another recently popular cocktail includes Lupron (leuprolide acetate), which should only be considered when surgery is no longer an option. This drug is a synthetic nonapeptide analog that produces an artificial release of a hormone GnRH or LHRH, which is the same hormone released from the hypothalamus gland in the brain. Basically it is designed to mask the condition, providing a temporary solution, which still doesn't prevent the onset of cancer, or further tumor growth. This solution can be used to lessen suffering with a ferret that is already 6-9 years of age, and should never be used in healthy young ferrets. Unfortunately some vets still recommend prescribed solutions, when surgical intervention would most definitely alleviate the problem. Surgical procedures range between $200 to as much as $1500, so cost can sometimes sway a ferret owner to consider medicine instead.
I guess I was lucky, since my only ferret Henry, never contracted any of the commonly associated ferret diseases like adrenal disease, but I still did enough research beforehand to know what to look for. Regular vet checkups, proper diet, undisturbed rest, and avoiding overexposure to light, was the only preventive measures I could take. The only real defense to ferret related illness is empowering yourself to know exactly what to look for. So if your furry little friend begins scratching, or acting a little out of character a visit to the local vet might be a good idea. Excessive hair loss and weight issues are precursors and should not be ignored, in order to benefit from medical attention. Hopefully your little buddy will live a happy and healthy full life like Henry, but if adrenal symptoms arise, at least you will now know a little more about this common condition.