Adrenal gland tumors are a common problem for ferrets over three years of age, though this condition can occur at any age. The adrenal glands are important hormone producing glands which are located near each kidney. These tumors may be benign or malignant, but in either case, the symptoms are the same. Although there are many theories as to the cause of this condition, the cause at this time is not known. The most common sign of adrenal disease is hair loss. The hair loss can occur anywhere on the ferret's body but usually first occurs at and above the base of the tail, tops of the rear feet, and over the shoulder blades. About half of the female ferrets with adrenal disease have a swollen vulva. Male ferrets may become more aggressive. Muscle atrophy is also common in ferrets with adrenal disease. Some typical symptoms of Adrenal Disease include the following:
- Hair loss or thinning on the body of the ferret. In advanced cases, hair may only remain on the head and feet. Some have been so bald as to have only their whiskers remaining.
- Loss of muscle mass and a pot-bellied appearance.
- Skin can appear 'thin' or almost translucent
- Excessive itchiness
- Aggressive or mating behavior. (Even if they are spayed or neutered)
- In females, sometimes their vulva is swollen.
- In males, urination difficulties may be present due to enlarged prostate tissue.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis of adrenal disease can usually be made by your veterinarian by the signs and symptoms exhibited by the ferret. Additional testing is usually performed to confirm the diagnosis and to check for any additional problems your ferret may have. Some of the other tests your vet may perform include blood profiles, x-rays and urinalysis. There is currently only one test that will undoubtedly confirm adrenal disease in your ferret and that is the Adrenal Panel which is usually analyzed by the University of Tennessee, School of Veterinary Medicine. Sometimes this test is referred to as "The Tennessee Panel."
In most cases, the left adrenal accounts for the vast majority of lesions, about 80%, and about 15% of cases involving both right and left glands .
Ultrasound is NOT an accurate test for adrenal, and in one study by Dr. Karen Rosenthal at The Animal Medical Center in New York, only 50% of the diseased glands were diagnosed.
Surgical Treatment:
Surgery is the MOST effective, recommended and successful treatment for adrenal disease, and involves the removal of the infected gland. It is reported that over ninety percent of affected ferrets can be successfully treated by surgery, even in ferrets older than 7. Once surgery has successfully been performed, you can expect your ferret to live a normal life for quite a few years. Be aware, though, that it is possible for the disease to reappear or affect the other gland.
The removal of the right gland is more complicated, since it is so close to the large vena cava {the main abdominal vein}. Since this could be a difficult procedure, some veterinarians are not comfortable in performing surgery on the right gland, and will opt for drug use. It is important BEFORE you proceed with this surgery to find a veterinarian who is very comfortable performing this operation, and who has had great success, especially if the right adrenal gland is involved.
Cryosurgery is a new procedure that is becoming widely used by veterinarians, especially when the right adrenal gland is involved. This procedure actually freezes the tissues with liquid nitrogen to kill the cells that are frozen. There are many benefits to cryosurgery including: decreased bleeding, quicker operative time, quicker recovery time and being an easier procedure to perform. Regardless of which surgical procedure is performed, within a few weeks new hair growth should begin, your ferret should start gaining some of their weight back, and their activity level will increase.
Medical Treatment:
Medical management is possible but usually a second choice, for example for ferrets that are quite ill or weak and therefore a poor surgical risk. Historically, the drug Lysodren® was used, but is unreliable in resolving symptoms and has potentially serious side effects. More recently a drug called Lupron® has been used with some success. The disadvantage of drugs over surgery is that the drugs simply control the symptoms without doing anything to remove the source of the problem. This is especially important because some adrenal tumors are malignant, so surgery should be the first choice if at all possible.
If your ferret is exhibiting hair loss or any unusual symptoms, a trip to a ferret friendly veterinarian is a necessity.
Research Credits: Dr. Deborah W. Kemmerer, DVM; Dr. Suzanne Lee, DVM.
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