From:
dr_bruce_williams
Date: 2002-05-06 19:21:00 UTC
Subject: Re: dry flakey skin- dandruff -like
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., Theresa Diduck <tdiduck@y...> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I was wondering if anyone has had a ferret with very
> dry flakey skin along the lower and mid-back area? It
> very much resembles dandruff! I have never had one of
> my ferets have this going on before. I have noticed
> that my ferret may be going through a coat change as
> there is definite thinning of the hair and it easily
> pulls out, however, on the belly area there is new
> growth. He has had one adrenal removed and I am afraid
> he could now be a right adrenal ferret? Any thoughts
> would be greatly appreciated. Is flakey skin a usual
> adrenal symptom? I looked at Dr. Williams site re:
> adrenal and didn't see this mentioned.
Dear Terri:
This is an uncommon non-specific change (the dandruff) and it is not
directly atributable to adrenal disease or even skin disease. The
way that dead skin exfoliates is well-programmed in all animals, and
it generally come off one cell at a time. When something upsets this
balance, and it comes off as sheets of cells, it gives the appearance
that we know as dandruff, or dry seborrhea. Unfortunately, many
things can do this, - any health problem has the ability to do it.
At this point, regular bathing and grooming is the best thing that
you can do, and watch carefully. The hair loss, even in spite of new
growth is concerning, but I don't personally have any red warning
lights flashing yet on this one.
with kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM