From:
ferrethealer@aol.com
Date: 2001-04-15 10:55:00 UTC
Subject: Adrenal with no hair loss was Re: [Ferret-Health-list]
Digest Number 129
In a message dated 04/15/01 6:59:40 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
Ferret-Health-list@yahoogroups.com writes:
<< Tenaka is a 4 year old male altered ferret with no previous
significant medical history. About a month ago or so, he started
actively going after the two altered females in the house. I have
separated him from the group. When reintroduced back in, the same
behavior pattern occurs. He shows no other symptoms that would
indicate adrenal disease. He has a hearty appetite, and no hair loss.
>>
I would still consider adrenal disease as the main differential here. I have
seen many adrenal ferrets without hair loss, and if he were my own, I
probably would go ahead and do exploratory surgery, expecting to find at
least one adrenal mass. You could do bloodwork, but understand that it is
not 100% accurate. Some adrenal masses are palpable by an experienced vet,
so you might want to make a good physical exam the first step. About a year
ago, I went in surgically on a ferret with no signs at all, except that I
could feel an enlarged adrenal gland. It was about the size of an almond,
and was a carcinoma.
Dr. Ruth
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