The adrenal glands are located near the top of each kidney.  They are responsible for producing important hormones for the bodies daily needs.  In a ferret with adrenal disease, and abundant amount of some of these hormones are produced.  The over-production of these hormones causes some not-so-fun effects on the ferret.

 

     Ferrets do not always show signs of adrenal disease, especially in the early stages.  The first sign that is usually noted is fur loss.  This typically begins at the base of the tail, and works its way up the ferrets back.    It doesn't take long for a ferret to go bald once this begins.  Regrowth, followed by more fur loss. may be noted as well.

 

     Although fur loss is typically the first sign noticed, there are others.  An affected ferret may, and likely will, become itchy.  This is not a good sign to go by, however.  Ferrets are normally itchy creatures.  Another sign is weight loss.  Some affected ferrets can eat like pigs, but looks like skeletons.  Oddly enough, a pot-bellied look is often seen with the wasting.  Females may have swollen vulvas, even if they were spayed.  This is due to the over production of estrogen.  On the other side of things, neutered males may become aggressive, and interested in sexual activities.  The other concern with males is urethral (urine path) blockage due to enlarged prostate. This is a life-threatening condition and can occur within a day's time!

 

     Diagnosis is typically made through symptoms, followed by some diagnostic tests.  There is a blood test that can be sent out that tests for adrenal disease.  I've heard mixed reviews about this.  Another diagnostic tool for veterinarians is ultrasound.  Both of these tests may not show adrenal disease in it's early state.

 

     There are two ways that adrenal disease can be treated.  The prefered route is surgery.  One must keep in mind that removing the glands will not gaurantee that symptoms will not return.  The other treatment are the drugs Lupron and Melatonin.  These will only releave the symptoms, and are typically reserved for ferrets that are not fit for surgery.  These drugs are also fairly expensive.

 

     If a ferret is believed to have adrenal disease, the owner should contact their veterinarian immediately to decide which route is best for that ferret.