From:
Caitlyn M. Martin
Date: 2001-10-21 06:08:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] Question about adrenal...
Hi, Colleen,
The usual "I am not a vet" disclaimer applies, though I've seen more than my
share of adrenal.
> I have 4 ferrets, one of which has always been tiny since the day i brought
> her home. she is about 2 years old if not a little bit younger and it very
> playful and eats and goes to the bathroom alright. what i have noticed is
> that the hair on her tail seems a little thin. i don't know if she's losing
> the hair or if it has always been like this and i'm paranoid after reading
> all the posts about adrenal.
Don't be paranoid. Of course, it is possible that this is the beginning of
adrenal, but it is even more likely that this is part of her seasonal coat
change or else some sort of skin problem.
> is it possible that because she is still the
> skinniest out of all the ferrets and smallest that the hair is just thin?
That, in and of itself, shouldn't make a difference. My Romana is under a
pound in the summer (around 400 grams) and has plenty of hair.
> does adrenal progress fast
My experience tells me that depends on the fert. Sometimes yes, more often no.
> and what else should i look for?
More hair loss up on her body (tummy, back, sides), weight loss,
aggressiveness, and a swollen vulva. When the vulva swells my vet believes
it's definitely time for surgery. If she starts losing weight when she should
be gaining at this time of year, that, combined with hair loss, would be pretty
indicative.
> she's acting
> perfectly normal and has always been skinny and still eating right.
I've been through adrenal seven times (in six ferts) and have never seen it
affect their appetite unless there was another medical problem. Some of mine
never showed any aggressiveness either and acted the way they always do. Just
look for the stuff on the list above.
The main thing right now is to watch and wait. A vet check wouldn't hurt for
your piece of mind. There is a really, really good chance that your little one
does *not* have adrenal.
All the best,
Caity and the terrific 10