Any help on this following problem appreciated !
 
I am a vet with a client with approx. 10 ferrets of various ages and sexes.
4 of them have developed alopecia of the mid and distal tail.  There is no
apparent pruritus, nor reddening of the skin.  It doesn't appear to be a
problem related to chewing of the fur by another individual and the rest of
the coat, including that over the flanks and rump, appears quite normal.
There is no obvious skin lesions bar a few "blackheads" but these to not
appear to be inflamed or to contain any purulent material.  I suspect this
is not a serious problem - it appears to be cosmetic.  The ferrets are
otherwise healthy, active, well fed and playful.  Any ideas on a possible
cause would be appreciated.
 
Yours sincerely,
Dave Kettles BVSc.
[Posted in FML issue 2945]