Adrenal Gland Disease In Ferrets - Page 2
© Pam McInnis
DIFFICULTY URINATING IN MALE FERRETS
The increased hormone production associated with adrenal disease can cause enlarged prostates in male ferrets, which in turn can lead to difficulty in urination. The severity of this symptom can vary from the ferret having to strain and experience discomfort to a life-threatening blockage. Ferret owners who become aware of this symptom should get their pet to a veterinarian for treatment immediately. In female ferrets, an enlarged vulva is a symptom of adrenal disease.
AGGRESSIVE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR IN MALE FERRETS
When Weaz developed adrenal disease, I often came home from work to find him mounting my other four ferrets. Of these four, three are spayed females and one is a neutered male. Weaz himself is also neutered. Adrenal gland disease can cause male ferrets to display aggressive sexual behavior even in these circumstances. This behavior ceased in Weaz after he had surgery.
MUSCLE ATROPHY
In some cases, adrenal ferrets will lose muscle mass in the pelvic and chest areas. Atrophy is usually mild and often unnoticeable, but can be severe in some cases.
WHAT DO I DO IF I SUSPECT THAT MY FERRET HAS ADRENAL GLAND DISEASE?
If you ferret is exhibiting one or more of these symptoms, it is important that you seek veterinary attention for your pet immediately. Even if it turns out that your ferret is not adrenal, he may have another condition that requires medication or treatment.
Although your veterinarian may be able to make an educated guess as to whether or ferret is suffering from adrenal disease, blood work is required for him or her to be certain.
If the results of the blood work show that your ferret is in fact adrenal, your veterinarian will most likely recommend surgery. While this is somewhat scary for ferret owners, it is the most effective treatment for adrenal disease and can lead to a full recovery for your pet.
In some cases, age or other health concerns may make your ferret a poor candidate for surgery. If this is the case, medical treatments are available for adrenal disease. While not as effective as surgical removal of the affected gland, medication can relieve symptoms and prolong your ferret's quality life.
Many veterinarians are not well-versed in non-surgical treatment options for adrenal ferrets. I suggest reviewing and printing the information available at the Ferret Doctor (www.ferretdoctor.com) web site for your vet's perusal. From the main page of the site, click on the "Medical Information" link.
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