Yes, losing the fur from the top of the head is seen with adrenal
growths; it's not even at all unusual even though it isn't the most
typical place of loss.  The lympho may be setting up in adrenal tissue,
too.  Sometimes long term use of high doses of Prednisolone or Prednisone
will cause fur loss.  For a non-surgical candidate with an adrenal
growth you want to look at Lupron Depot shots and Melatonin (implant
is the easiest) in most of the world.  If you are in Australia or
another countries which has given the okay to Suprelorin then look into
Suprelorin and the melatonin.  (Suprelorin has in three studies behaved
quite like Lupron but is much more affordable; and is currently under
review by the USDA for possible future use in the U.S.)
 
As to the large spleen, given that this is a patient for lymphoma/
lymphosarcoma I doubt that you are entertaining the typical approach
of surgery so have your vet show you how to safely massage the spleen
and how to safely massage the upper portion of the ascending colon,
transverse colon, and the descending colon.  When large spleens that
could not come out have caused problems for ferrets here the only
discomfort beyond carrying around a huge organ has been from the spleen
making it difficult for waste to move well through those colon segments
and the massage a few times a day took care of it, but it must be done
the right way and gently so have the vet give you hands- on lessons.
 
Remember that Prednisolone types like Pediapred avoid the liver
processing step so if there is any liver involvement those will be
more effective than Prednisone which needs a liver processing step to
turn it into Prednisolone.
 
Ferret not eatting and stuffed up head:
Buffie, your ferret needs to see a vet today.  That is always the rule
for ferrets who are not eating or drinking, and it is always the rule for
ferrets with pronounced respiratory symptoms.  Ferrets do not get true
colds (though some people use the term very loosely).  Furthermore, many
of the human OTC meds for congestion have ingredients which can be fatal
to ferrets.
 
There are a number of causes for congestion and worse symptoms.  The
scariest one is Canine Distemper.  Have your ferrets been vaccinated?  If
not and if it is Canine Distemper then all of your ferrets are at risk.
It is not possible from your brief description to say whether or not your
ferret has CDV but it is possibility so -- to protect all of the OTHER
animals who go to the vet -- you need to run a detailed description by
your vet because they may bring you in a back way away from other animals
to avoid anyone else having possible exposure.
 
Ferrets get Influenza A and they get bacterial sinus infections; either
can carry the risk of a more serious infection developing so follow-up
with a vet is needed.  You mention that you have allergies; the chances
of having a bacterial sinus infection which you can share with your
ferret is increased by both allergies and many of the meds for allergies.
That is one reason that those of us with allergies sometimes get sick
more often than others.
 
Do not take my word for it that ferrets don't get colds.  You can look it
up yourself.  It is one reason why ferrets were abandoned as animals to
do studies of colds.  True colds are caused by rhinoviruses and ferrets
don't get those, There are lesser things which cause "cold" symptoms in
humans which have not been tested in ferrets but there is no indication
at this point that they actually get any of those, either.
 
You will notice if you read _Biology and Diseases of the Ferret_ (which
has large portions applicable for lab use as well as for vet use) that
they are not used for study of colds.  If you look in
http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org
you will find both ferret veterinary pathologists (the people who REALLY
know) and ferret vet experts pointing out that they don't get true colds.
 
When a ferret has serious respiratory symptoms always get a chest x-ray.
It is not in the least unusual for ferrets to sound okay but to have
pneumonia.
 
Stinky food such as a/d (which your vet can sell to you) mixed with hot
water will be the best approach to getting something in.  From your
description this ferret has to see a vet even if you need to pay for an
emergency appointment.
 
Sukie
not a vet but have had ferrets in the family for 24 years and am
involved in a number of ferret health projects and fora
http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/ferrethealth (co-moderator)
http://www.ferretcongress.org (advisor)
[Posted in FML issue 4898]