From:
Ferrethealer@aol.com
Date: 2002-12-05 02:42:12 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Digest 4 Dec 2002 07:55:09 -0000 Issue 165
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <de.315e2c91.2b201704@aol.com>
In a message dated 12/04/02 2:55:44 AM Eastern Standard Time,
ferrethealth-digest-help@smartgroups.com writes:
> My question is (and I know it has been asked by others, but hope lives
> forever, unlike the fuzz-butts), are there ANY other things that these
> symptoms fit? I've heard mites mentioned as a cause of hairloss, as well
> as
> reaction to fleas. We know he doesn't have fleas, and mites would seem to
> be a non-issue, as well, since none of the other kids are showing any
> similar symptoms.
His symptoms to me seem clearly adrenal, from what you're descrbing.
>
> If it is Adrenal, what is the time-frame from initial signs of hairloss to
> other, confirming, signs? And also, are there any confirming tests other
> than the Tennessee Panel?
Personally, I consider that type of hair loss to be a pretty clear sign of
adrenal disease. You can try ultrasound - if an enlarged adrenal is found,
that will confirm it, but they're not always found. Sometimes the adrenal
gland can be felt on physical examination by a ferret knowledgeable
veterinarian. And the ultimate diagnostic test and treatment - exploratory
surgery with removal of the affected gland(s).
A response to Lupron can be considered a test as well, actually, but I tend
to keep Lupron for non-surgical cases.
Dr. Ruth
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End of ferrethealth Digest
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