What's wrong with my ferret?

Question

I have two ferrets one is 6 years the other about 4 1/2. My six year old female ferret has recently lost all of her hair except for what is on her head. She still eats, sleeps and plays like she always has. The vets in my area consider her an exotic animal and have no idea what is wrong and will not treat her. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Sorry to say but it is probable that your ferret has adrenal disease. Symptoms include: swollen vulva (female),hair loss on tail/body (the most common symptom - frequently the hair remains on the head/upper torso,loss of appetite, lethargy, flaky, red skin, excessive itchiness, weakness in the hind legs, increased thirst/urination/weight loss, high blood pressure, anemia,rapid heartbeat.
The adrenals produce hormones that increase blood glucose levels,regulate electrolyte levels, produce adrenaline.
It in inconclusive what causes adrenal disease in ferrets, but it is quite common.
The left adrenal gland is easier to feel than the right and your vet may be able to tell if it is enlarged.
Treatment is the surgical removal of the affected gland - I believe that it is much more dangerous to remove the right gland because of it's proximity to the vena cava (blood vessel).
Some ferrets can survive without hormone supplements after surgery (perhaps a small amount of the tissue is remaining - enough to produce what they need), most require medication though. There are other complications that may occur with the removal of both glands.
This info came from the dummies guide to ferrets.
I have many friends with ferrets - one whose wife is a vet - even he had his beautiful 8 year old fuzzy put down when she was diagnosed.
It is a lot for such a little guy to go through, and your ferret KNOWS you love her - they are incredibly perceptive.
The choice is up to you - I can tell you if it were me I would be preparing myself for a very big cry, gather my posse of friends and fuzzies around me and have the deed done.
That being said, many ferrets have survived the surgery and lived extended lives.
There are other options - do some research on Lysodren, Lupron and Tamoxifen - all have side effects and none are out and out cures.
Good Luck - I'm sure your fuzzless is still gorgeous and adorable

Answer 2

It sounds like your ferret has adrenal gland disease. Adrenal disease is very common in ferrets, especially Marshal Farms ferrets. The adrenal gland will need to be removed in order for your ferret to recover. You need to find a vet that treats exotics and can do the laser surgery for her. I have had 3 ferrets who have gone through this. I's very, very common.

Answer 3

If she is scratching more she could have rubbed all the hair off (happened to a friends ferret....it got old and itchy)
Definitely find a vet who will treat ferrets, they should get yearly vaccinations like any other pet.

Answer 4

Wow, you definately need to find a good vet who knows about ferrets. It certainly sounds like she has adrenal gland disease.
Here's some more info one it:
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/basics.htm
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/adrenal.htm
http://www.ferretcentral.org/faq/med/adrenal.html
Good luck!

Answer 5

She has adrenial disease. Marshall farms is notorious for missing ovaries in spaying. Bring her to the vet, whatever, but she is dying and nothing will change that fact. Don't buy from Marshalls farms!