To Sam and Falcor:
 
        By far the most common cause of hair loss in the ferret is
adrenal-associated endocrinopathy, which is the result of excessive secretion of
estrogen from a hyperfunctioning adrenal gland.  Most tests will never pick this
up, unless you test the blood specifically for the presence of increased
estrogen (and then only 30% will be picked up).  The best procedure at this time
to determine the likelihood of adrenal disease is exploratory surgery to
evaluate the size of the adrenal gland.  If an enlarged gland is found, it is
removed, and generally the hair will grow back.  The longer the animal is bald
however, the less chance of the hair coming back.
 
        For anyone who wishes to try the blood test on a ferret with marginal
hair loss - contact Cenvet Labs Inc.  3250 57th St. Woodside, NY  11377 at
1-800-4-Cenvet.  There appears to be a one-week turnaround and approximately 1
cc of blood is needed for the test.  I'm not sure of the price, though.
 
        Please send for the ferret FAQ (detailed instructions at the beginning
of each FML).  It has more information on adrenal disease in the ferret.
 
       Bruce Williams, DVM                 Department of Veterinary Pathology
       [log in to unmask]         Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
       (202) 782-2600/2602                 Washington, D.C.  20306-6000
[Posted in FML issue 0995]