How do you know if a ferret has adrenal disease?

Answer 1

Adrenal disease is a disease resulting from the growth of a tumor on the ferrets adrenal glands (which are located near the kidneys). The tumor causes the glands to produce extra hormones which causes a variety of symptoms and problems. Common symptoms include loss of hair, swollen vulva in females and aggression in males. Vets will diagnose adrenal disease by carrying out a variety of tests which will usually include an X-ray and blood tests. Once the diagnosis is confirmed there are a variety of ways to treat the illness. The most common and effective way is surgery to remove the effected gland. If your ferret is not suitable for surgery (usually due to age or other illnesses) adrenal disease can be treated with drugs.

Answer 2

Ferret Adrenal disease is one of the most common disease affecting ferrets starting around age 2, but has been seen in younger ferrets. It is thought to occur because of early neutering, genetics, and inbreeding from the largest ferret farm - Marshall farms - which the majority are sold at pet stores and most people own. Another cause is high or increased exposure to indoor light (changing of seasons) that affects melatonin production of hormones. Ferrets need to be kept in natural lighting as much as possible. It is important to keep ferrets from being exposed to indoor lighting at night, and for them to sleep in dark a environment. (covering cage to block light, keep windows curtained)

Symptoms - the most common symptom of adrenal disease is hair loss, usually at the end of their tail (though it can start to appear anywhere) moving up towards their shoulders and they will eventually loose all their fur. Muscle loss and/or a potbelly appearance, lethargy, and weight loss which can be dramatic. Females often develop an enlarged vulva and males experience an enlarged prostate which will often cause them to strain while urinating. Aggression is another sign of adrenal disease in male ferrets with behavoir of mating due to increase of hormones.

It is important that your ferret receives veterinarian care if exhibiting any of these symptoms for treatment options, the sooner the better. If untreated, some male ferrets will eventually be unable to urinate and will need emergency care, or will die a very painful death. The female ferret becomes very anemic. See links for more detailed explanation.

Answer 3

They only way to know if a ferret has adrenal disease is a diagnoses from a veterinarian. Most all ferrets in the US get adrenal disease because of early neutering