From:
Steve Austin
Date: 2001-04-22 06:07:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] ferret with bald spot
"hi. we have one ferret at home who is almost 2 years
old and in great health. my boss is giving me her
ferret who is about 4 years old. he has a bald spot
on his back right side. she says she thinks it is
from stress. i don't think she has ever had a vet
look at him for this problem. i wanted to make sure
it wasn't something catchy that our other ferret would
get-after looking around on the internet it looks like
it might be the adrenal thing. he has thin hair all
over his body too. that could be the way he always
has been. what should i do-take him to the vet to be
checked or could this really be just from stress. i
don't have him yet but will get him in 2 days. is
there any other symptoms to look for?? please
help!!!!
thanks, teresa"
Stress from what? Sometimes a poor diet, or a funky shed may make his
coat look bad, but not bald patch. I just went through the adrenal
surgery for my 2 year old, so I no longer think of a small bald spot, as
nothing.
The problem is that if you go to a vet who is not that experienced in
ferrets, or it is too early to tell if it is truely adrenal you may have
to wait and see. Or run some tests,etc So, the problem is that you may
be taking in a ferret who has an adrenal tumor. If that is o.k. with
you, and you will take on the medical bills as they are needed, then take
the ferret. I took in a few rescue ferrets last year,, and quickly
realized that everyone came with the possiblitly of having a problem.
One needed a tumor removed on the eyelid, one has insulinoma, one bad
tartar,etc. These problems could also occur in my own ferrets, just
seemed different at the time. I just didn't want you to take in a ferret
and then if the ferret is ill, decide you didn't want him anymore, take
him in with the thought that he is ill, so that if he is o.k., then you
are relieved, and if he is ill then you are ready to deal with it as
needed.
One solution may be to ask the current owner if he would be willing to
split the bill if surgery is needed in the next few months for an adrenal
tumor.
Also, find out what diet he is on, and the last time a vet saw him.
Patty
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