Major Ferret Illnesses
Adrenal Disease -
Aleutian's Disease (ADV) - Cardiomyopathy - Ferret Distemper Epizootic Catarrhal Enteritis
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Insulinoma - Lymphoma/ Lymphosarcoma
Adrenal Disease
About
Adrenal Disease
In its simplest terms, adrenal disease are tumors on the adrenal
glands which are located in front of the kidneys and generally
starts affecting ferrets over the age of 2. There are a number
of theories regarding the high incidence of adrenal disease including
the over abundance of light, inbreeding, early spaying/neutering
practices, diet, etc., but none have been proven to date. The
best thing you can do for your ferret, is to use sun blocking
shades in their room, and keep lights to a bare minimum. It is
recommended that you have routine Adrenal Panels runs to possibly
detect the disease in it's early stages (before signs and symptoms),
providing you with more treatment options.
The high exposure to light
and early spaying/neutering, seems have the most validity as
a root cause. Ferrets have a very sensitive pineal gland, which
in the natural state is stimulated by increased exposure to light.
The pineal gland signals the reproductive tract to get ready
for reproduction by sending a signal to the hypothalamus to produce
GnRH (Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone) which stimulates
the pituitary gland to release LH (Luteinizing Hormone) and FSH
(Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) which triggers the gonads to secrete
the sex hormones.
For intact ferrets, the surge in LH signals the hypothalamus
and pituitary gland to stop producing the hormones. In a spayed
or neutered state, the adrenal glands receive the hormones and
repsond by producing the sex hormones, but as they lack gonads,
the LH surge cannot be produced to stop the hormone production
from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. As a result the hormones
remain in an on state and are continually producing hormones which
can cause the adrenal glands to enlarge.
In order to have a better understanding
of adrenal disease, it is important to understand the make-up
of the gland. The adrenal gland comprises 2 sections, the cortex
(where the majority of problems arise) and the medulla. The cortex
is then subdivided into 3 zones: the outer (zona glomerulosa-which
secretes mineralocortoid hormones), the middle (zona fasciculata-secretes
glucocortocoid hormones and comprises about 70% of the cortex),
and the inner (zona reticularis-secretes sex hormones and androgens).
In ferrets, the tumors overproduce the sex steroids and androgens
and is called hyperadrenocorticism.
There are 3 forms
adrenal disease can take on:
Hyperplasia: Excessive growth of the adrenocortical tissue. At this stage the glands are still performing normally.
Benign Tumor: Enlargement of the adrenal gland(s). At this stage the gland(s) begin to lose their normal functionality and the disease may begin affecting their overall health.
Carcinoma (Malignant) Tumor: Enlargement of the adrenal gland(s). At this stage the gland(s) is generally no longer functioning as normal and the disease begins wrecking havoc on the ferret. During late stage it is very possible for the gland to rupture.
Symptoms
Whether the tumors are malignant or benign, the most common symptoms of adrenal disease include hair loss usually beginning at the end of their tail (though it can appear anywhere on your ferret) moving up towards their shoulders in a symmetrical fashion, muscle loss and/or a potbelly appearance, lethargy, an orangey skin color and weight loss which can be dramatic. It is quite common for a ferret to loose all their fur, except for a few areas and their face. Females often develop an enlarged vulva (50%), and males experience an enlarged prostate often causing them to strain while urinating. Male ferrets can also return to intact male behavior including aggressiveness due to the increased levels of testosterone.
Continued on the Major Ferret Illnesses Part 2
