From:
Sukie Crandall
Date: 2001-10-19 07:59:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Adrenal & vet experiences with adrenal surgery
>who is 4.5 has lost most of the hair on her tail except at the base and Toby
>5.5 years is has the same thing, but has more hair...
>the US and I am not sure if he is up to surgery on ferrets. I plan to ask
>when I get blood tests for both Toby and Tasha next week...
>ferret... does anyone know about reputable small breeders in my area?...
>starting to become concerned regarding purchasing ferrets who are bred by
> large companies such as Marshal Farms.
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Okay, first off there are vet lists in the FHL Files both in the one
of recommended vets and the SOS list BUT you may not be looking at
adrenal growths. Yes, adrenal growths cause problems for the skin so
certainly things like "rattail" can become more pronounced with it,
but that doesn't mean that rattail equals adrenal growths because it
doesn't. Could be just skin problems.
It is good to know who is fine surgeon, though. That's info which is
important to have for when needed. Do ask your vet.
From our experience over the space of 19 and 1/2 years MF ferrets
have not been any less healthy or any less long-lived than those from
most other places of any size. (The marked exception is that those
bred by small backyard breeders who in-breed and neglect the ferrets
are much, much worse than anyone's else's.) If you want your best
health shot look for a private breeder who keeps complete health and
longevity records (not just on ones which have the right results but
also ones on sibs sold away, too, when possible). Sadly, many
breeders have records on things like show win records -- which have
zip to do with health and may be a negative factor as often as they
can be a positive one -- but no or very poor health and longevity
records. Fortunately, some are beginning to change in that regard.
Have you thought of looking at shelter ferrets? They really need a
loving home!