 |
| Adrenal disease is a rather common disease of the ferret. It is characterized by the presence of cancerous or non-cancerous growths on the adrenal gland. Typically, the left adrenal gland is affected more often than the right. Symptoms include, hair loss (alopecia) that starts above the tail and progresses up the ferret's back, weight loss, swelling of the volva in females, thin, irritated, itchy, flakey skin that may develop sores, aggressive mating behavior in males and possible lethargy. This disease usually affects ferrets at three to four years of age (but it can affect younger ferrets). If your ferret has any of these symptoms, take it to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
|
|
| The tumors in the affected gland cause an increase in hormone production. This condition can be misdiagnosed as Cushing's disease, which ferrets do not get. A correct diagnosis may be difficult to obtain, as X-rays and standard blood tests will often come back normal. There are, however specific blood tests that may be available in some areas that can help in diagnosing this illness. Diagnosis is often made by observation of symptoms. A veterinarian who has experience in treating ferrets can often make a diagnosis in this manner. |
|
| Treatment involves surgery to remove the affected gland and medication to "kick start" the remaining gland. If surgery is not an option, there are medications a ferret can be given to lessen the symptoms, however this method is not curative. With the removal of the affected gland, your ferret has an excellent chance for complete recovery. However, complications may arise if the tumor is cancerous and has metastasized, or if the tumor is located in the right adrenal gland. The right adrenal gland is located dangerously close to the major vena cava. Often, the entire gland cannot be removed for fear of cutting the vein. The remaining portions of the gland can eventually begin to overproduce hormones, causing a return of symptoms. Medications can be helpful in reducing the symptoms if they reoccur. |
|
| Although no one knows the cause of adrenal disease in ferrets, there are speculations. Research is being done to determine whether or not a ferret's lack of natural light cycles may play a part. Ferrets are indoor pets due to their intolerance for warm temperatures and extreme cold in certain areas. This subjects them to artificial lighting and abnormal light cycles. There are studies being done to determine if giving your ferret melatonin could halt the symptoms of adrenal disease. Another theory is that this disease could be caused by spaying and neutering ferrets before they reach sexual maturity. Ferrets purchased in pet stores are often spayed or neutered when they are just a few weeks of age. Stress and genetics could play a part in the development of adrenal disease as well. |
|
| In order to try and prevent adrenal disease, attempt to give your ferrets as much natural light as possible. As evening progresses, avoid keeping your ferrets in a room that contains a lot of bright artificial lighting. This doesn't mean you have to let your ferrets run around in a completely dark room during night "out of cage" play time. However, keeping most of the lights off and having dim lighting in the room they are playing in can only help. Make sure the room in which they are caged is subject to natural light cycles. Since they should be caged at night while you are sleeping, keep that room naturally dark. Also, if you purchase a ferret that has not already been neutered or spayed, try waiting until they are at least four months of age before you do so. Ferrets reach adulthood at about six months of age, so you will want to have the procedure done by then (unless you are properly trained and planning to breed your ferrets). Finally, try to reduce cage stress by letting your ferret out to play as much as possible (or let your ferret roam free and have a "ferret safe" room available if containment is necessary. Try to keep your ferret's stress level to a minimum. |
|
| ___________________________________________________________________________________ |
|
| ___________________________________________________________________________________ |
|
The information provided in this section is not intended to be used in place of proper veterinary care. This web site contains the opinions of the writer. The reader of this site must use this information at his or her own risk.
|
|