Hi Everyone,
 
Well I think I may have my first ferret illness in over 4 years of ferrety
ownership.  My DEW Unagi (F, 4.5 yrs/MF) has massive hair loss just below
her shoulders and around her rib cage.  She does not have the typical
adrenal hair loss pattern, but after talking with a shelter mom and
sending her pics of Unagi, based upon her experience, she thinks Unagi is
definately adrenal.  Of course I am in denial - I don't want to *cut-open*
my baby girl without definative proof.  My vet ran a blood test for good
measure of health and body function.  Of course the BT does not test for
adrenal only the TN panel can do that.  However my vet does not put a lot
of stock in the TN panel - as he's seen tests come back negative when the
fert was postive and vice versa.  So to be *more sure* I am asking some
help from experienced adrenal parents.  My options at this time are:
ultrasound or exploratory surgery.  Of course exploratory would give a
definative - but like I said I am leary to cut open unless 100% sure.  On
the other hand ultrasound is expensive and that money could be better
spent towards the surgery.  So you can see the pickle I am in.  I want to
do what's best for my baby, but I also want to be cost effective here
(must be the accountant in me! : )
 
Well here is my question for you...can you please tell me the behavioral
changes you have observed in your babies either before the adrenal was
discovered or after.  I'm not asking for symptoms of adrenal but if your
kid(s) slept more or were more playful.  Did they demand attention vs.
reject it.  What about food intake - did it increase or decrease?  How did
the other ferts treat the *possible* adrenal baby?
 
My observation is that Unagi is more alert - she has also become a begger
for food.  But I recently changed up the mix of food - and they don't seem
to be eating as much.  I notice that the girls are being very finicky and
dig out a certain food but I have yet to figure out which one it is as
they look so similiar.  I also noticed that the other ferts are smelling
her a lot more and that she really doesn't like it.  She seems to be
sleeping more too.  Oh, and what I also notice is that her bonded sister
seems to be acting kinda funny.  I think it's because she knows something
isn't right with her sister.  She tends to sleep when Unagi is sleeping -
and her normal behavior is to play/stay awake until she drops.  I can't
tell if her hair loss is continuing or if it's stopped at this point.
 
Has anyone else noticed a difference in behavior prior to diagnosis of
adrenal?  If so could you please post to the group as I'm sure other peeps
would like to know for future reference.  Or you can email me direct.
 
Thanks for your input.
 
Fuzzyhugz,
 
Tanya G, Max, Raider, Peanut, Goose, Unagi and Pikachu (and soon to be
Mosha, awaiting our arrival in OR) ~ and for Snickers who peacefully
awaits patiently and continues to make a place for us all at the bridge...
[Posted in FML issue 3582]