From:
Bruce Williams, DVM
Date: 2001-07-10 23:32:00 UTC
Subject: Re: New to List
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., Celia Doyle <cdoyle@a...> wrote:
> Hello all,
> Just joined this list this weekend and already find it very
> informative.
> I joined as I was trying to find out what is wrong with our
> 1 1/2 year old ferret Oscar--he's an albino. He has had a brown
patch
> to gradually appear on the left side of his face, just between his
ear
> and eye area--doesn't seem to bother him, no tumor or inflamation,
> just dirty looking fur--I'm thinking its an over secretion of
> "something", my vet had a look but wasn't concerned, thought it
> probably has something to do with the removal of his scent
glands??????
> Also, he seems to sleep a bit more, gets more tired and plops down
more,
> but is still eating, drinking and pooping ok.
Dear Celia - I am not really familiar with this symptom. You don't
mention whether it is greasy or not, or whether it may be coming down
from the ear, etc. Is the skin underneath clear?
I am not sure about whether descenting would cause this problem -
most pet ferrets are descented, and this is very unusual. I guess my
initial suggestion would be to look for mites in the ears and
underlying skin condition via biopsy.
If he appears more tired than usual, a good checkup with bloodwork is
probably in order, but I doubt it is connected with this dark patch
of fur.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, dVM