Hi Travis,
 
Loki sounds like his problem could be adrenal related.  Please read the
Adrenal FAQ available (BIG - can you post how to get this?).
 
You can do the University of TN blood panel that tests the levels of six
hormones or just test for estradiol, which is the most commonly elevated
hormone.  My vet uses the lab at Cornell.
 
In male ferrets, the adrenal glands hyper secrete sex hormones which cause
them to act aggressively sexual to cage mates (male or female), excessive
"marking", hair loss, increased thirst and urination and urinary problems.
The prostate can become enlarged and cause the male discomfort when
urinating or completely "block" them up.
 
Loki is only 3 and if in good health, surgery for removal of the "bad"
gland is normally recommended. If surgery is not chosen, there are some
drugs you can try (Lysodren for one).
 
I suggest subscribing to Lynn McIntosh's FAIML (Ferret Adrenal/Insulinoma
Mailing List) at:
 
[log in to unmask]
 
This is a very good list with 200 (are we there yet?) subscribers who are
all dealing with these two diseases in some form or another. I believe it
would help you quite a bit.
 
Good luck with Loki!
 
Mary and the gang of 9....
 
Mary McCarty-Houser
Pennsylvania Ferret Rescue Association
Director, Centre County Branch
http://home.sprynet.com/sprynet/ferretlady
 
[Moderator's note: Adrenal FAQ available via email to server (see top of
digest).  (Ask for ADRENAL DISEASE FERRET) and from www.ferretcentral.org
site.  Also might want to ask for a ADRENAL POSTS FERRET.  BIG]
[Posted in FML issue 2308]