Karen and Karat,
By far the most common disorder in ferrets that will cause this is an adrenal
tumor.  Initally the symptoms can be seasonal where the hairloss seems to
grow back spontaneously.  The hair loss comes back again next season unless
the adrenal tumor is removed.  If there is ovarian tissue that was not
completely removed at the time of spaying this could cause similar symptoms.
The only way to tell the difference is with exploratory surgery, which will
cure either condition.
It's best to have these adrenal tumors removed early.  The longer you wait
the larger the tumor will grow.  When these tumors get large they are much
more difficult to remove, especially if the tumor is on the right side (left
adrenal tumors are more common).
 
Dr Weiss
301-299-4142
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[Posted in FML issue 1194]