From:
"Diane C. Wall"
Date: 2002-12-04 15:31:04 UTC
Subject: Hair loss information and unusual balding patterns of suspected adrenal ferrets
To: <ferret.daddy@verizon.net>
Cc: <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
Message-ID: <!~!UENERkVCMDkAAQACAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABgAAAAAAAAAS+0b9wJ+T0an1kr7NkkWw8KAAAAQAAAAUvRrzqdf606MKWKal5gWfAEAAAAA@harbormortgage.com>
I have six ferrets and have one little guy in particular who had the
same pattern of balding that you have mentioned in your post.
He indeed has adrenal. When he had his first surgery the vet only saw
one side which needed the tumor removed. After 3 months he had the same
adrenal symptoms, had no hair re-growth from where the shaved him from
surgery and continued to look like a little old man with a receding hair
line from his ears to his front shoulder blades.
I brought him back to the vet three times who continued to tell me not
to worry. Then I brought him to another vet for a second opinion. When
he had his second surgery he had a large tumor mostly hiding under his
liver which the first vet completely missed.
He has been much better even since and is quite happy and fuzzy all over
now.
Don't be fooled by typical patterns of balding and I have seen adrenal
symptoms (itchiness, mounting, ear sucking/biting, aggressive play and
dribbling when urinating) with ferrets that had no balding at all except
on their feet!
It's always a good idea to say what town and state you live in when
posting so others can refer you to the really good vets in your area.
For now give your ferret and good scratch (adrenal ferrets love this as
they always feel itchy) and call a good vet for surgery.
Diane Wall
Ferret Mom of Six
Holbrook, Massachusetts