From:
Ferrethealer
Date: 2011-06-07 00:49:47 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Puzzled
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Hair loss on the lower half of the tail, accompanied by blackheads, is a common problem in ferrets and is commonly referred to as "rat tail". It is not adrenal disease, although some feel that it may be an indication of very early adrenal disease (I do not agree with that, personally, and think it is caused by seasonal hormonal swings - which can certainly lead to adrenal disease later, but before that can cause the rat tail). Some have theorized that it is due to ear mites.
Hair loss on the body *that leads to baldness* is not a normal shedding pattern and is instead an indicator for a hormonal problem. The most common thing that causes it is adrenal disease, although in intact ferrets, there are some other causes. A heavy shed should not cause baldness, as the ferret will have fuzz underneath as the new coat comes in. I hope that helps people differentiate between a heavy shed (blowing the coat) and hormonally induced hair loss.
Dr. Ruth
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