• Diet
• Diet part 2
• Diet part 3
• Enviroment
• Grooming and Handling
• Vaccinations and Routine Vet Care
• Medical Problems
• Medical Problems part 2

ADRENAL DISEASE – This is a very common disease of ferrets over two years of age. It is either a neoplasia (cancer) or hyperplasia (overactivity) of the adrenal glands, which are located near the top of the kidneys. These glands are part of the endocrine or hormone producing system of the body. For unknown reasons in ferrets the adrenal glands become diseased and not only can enlarge and cause pressure on surrounding tissues, such as the kidney and vena cava, but also produce excessive amounts of androgens or sex hormones. This overproduction of hormones results in a variety of signs including a symmetrical loss of hair, increase in body odor, enlargement of the vulva in spayed females, return of the mating or aggressive urge in neutered males, dry brittle haircoat and itchy skin. In addition, some males can develop an enlargement of the prostate gland, which constricts urinary outflow. These ferrets have difficulty urinating and eventually may not be able to urinate at all. The treatment for adrenal disease is usually a combination of surgery to remove a portion or all of the adrenal glands and medical therapy.

INSULINOMA - This is neoplasm of the beta cells in the pancreas. This disease often occurs at the same time as adrenal disease and is just as common. The pancreas, like the adrenal glands, is also a part of the endocrine or hormone producing system. The beta cells produce insulin, which acts to move glucose from the bloodstream into the cells. With insulinoma, there is an excessive production of insulin, which drives the glucose out of the bloodstream too quickly. This leaves the brain and muscles with an insufficient supply of “food” which results in weakness, nausea (exhibited by excess saliva production and pawing at the mouth) and eventually seizures. These signs are seen intermittently because the body is constantly trying to replace the glucose and early in the disease it can successfully do so for periods of time. The signs may disappear on their own. As the disease progresses, however, the ferret has longer and more frequent periods of abnormal behavior. The treatment for this disease is usually surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible combined with livelong medication. It is critical to remove as much carbohydrate from the diet as possible as well because carbohydrates will only aggravate the condition.

OTHER NEOPLASIAS – The reason is unknown, but ferrets are prone to a number of other neoplasias. Lymphosarcoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system and is the one cancer that can affect ferrets of any age. It can be treated in many cases with chemotherapy, but the success varies with each case. Other organs that can be affected by neoplasia include liver, kidneys, spleen, anal glands, ovaries, testicles, gums, bones and lungs. The treatment is dependent on the neoplasm and the condition of the pet.