I had no reference to connect ear-sucking with adrenal tumors. I've had
adrenal ferrets before, but they did not show this sign of hormonal
imbalance. I am sincerely thankful for all you FMLers with more ferret
experience than I that connected the two for me. I thought Frost might
be adrenal, because the hair on his tail was thinning a bit, but it is
difficult to draw the line from calling it "thinning hair" to "hair
loss". I've settled on giving melatonan orally every day as Frost's
treatment, considering his age and other factors. I am glad there was
something I could start immediately, as Ayla needed a break, and I was
loathed to separate my four into two pairs. Codo thrives with other
ferrets (more than just Ayla) around, so I'm not sure a separation
would be good for him. Frost seems a bit calmer today, not dragging
Ayla around by her ear, a practice he began yesterday during playtime.
It is disturbing, yet curious, to observe a ferret trying to stash
another ferret in a corner. Frost took his medicine, a mixture of
ground human melatonan pills in Ferretin, eagerly, and wanted more as
soon as I opened the cage today. All those years ago, I hated forcing
Niki to take her Pred; she hated the taste. Now, what could have been
a negative chore may turn out to be a positive way to bond more with
Frost. Thanks again to everyone who helped me reach the appropriate
conclusions regarding Frost's behavior and health.

With respect,
Lori in Ohio
Ferrets: Rhys, Frost, Ayla, & bCodo
Cats: Reaganne & Little Miss

[Posted in FML 6347]