From:
williamsdvm@comcast.net
Date: 2002-12-18 01:54:46 UTC
Subject: RE: Keratin question
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <19978688.1040176486105.JavaMail.root@scandium>
Dear Eileen:
I have not recognized "hyperkeratosis" as a disease entity. While scurfy skin may impart an orange color, I would not look at it is a true disease, but a symptom of another problem. Adrenal disease may cause hyperkeratosis, but tht is often accompanied by blackheads, especially on the tail. Distemper may start with a orange rash on the chin and progress to be generalized - while he appears normal in all respects, I would keep this in the back of your mind.
Hyperkeratosis in domestic animals is a very non-specific sign of disease, but is not that common in ferrets (far more common in other species.) Simply, the skin does not shed normally - it comes off in large sheets, or fails to come off at all, not in the normal one- or two-cell pattern that it normally does. Any systemic illness can cause this change, so your vet is not far off the mark on this one.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM
Author wrote:
> Herby is a 2 1/2 yr. old male. He came from our local spca in Sept this year. Past medical history unknown. He was very orange in color. Vet ruled out ringworm and with further skin scrapings and blood work it came back as hyperkeratosis. I have been bathing him in a special shampoo and Dr. has me using kerasolv on his face. He seems fine so far otherwise. Lots of energy, weighs over 2 1/12 lbs. Doesn't have trouble peeing. His coat is really soft and full. Can anyone point me in the direction to find out more about this? My vet(woderful lady) said cause of hyperkeratois isn't really known. She said it could also be possible earily adrenal. We will be watching him closely. He also has a stronger musky odor than my other 4. Is there anything I should be looking for? I have delt with female adrenal; but not male. My female went through 2 adrenal operatons and has been on lupron since march 2,000 and is doing wonderful.Thankyou for your help. Eileen