Hi Everyone, Well I think I may have my first ferret illness in over 4 years of ferrety ownership. My DEW Unagi (F, 4.5 yrs/MF) has massive hair loss just below her shoulders and around her rib cage. She does not have the typical adrenal hair loss pattern, but after talking with a shelter mom and sending her pics of Unagi, based upon her experience, she thinks Unagi is definately adrenal. Of course I am in denial - I don't want to *cut-open* my baby girl without definative proof. My vet ran a blood test for good measure of health and body function. Of course the BT does not test for adrenal only the TN panel can do that. However my vet does not put a lot of stock in the TN panel - as he's seen tests come back negative when the fert was postive and vice versa. So to be *more sure* I am asking some help from experienced adrenal parents. My options at this time are: ultrasound or exploratory surgery. Of course exploratory would give a definative - but like I said I am leary to cut open unless 100% sure. On the other hand ultrasound is expensive and that money could be better spent towards the surgery. So you can see the pickle I am in. I want to do what's best for my baby, but I also want to be cost effective here (must be the accountant in me! : ) Well here is my question for you...can you please tell me the behavioral changes you have observed in your babies either before the adrenal was discovered or after. I'm not asking for symptoms of adrenal but if your kid(s) slept more or were more playful. Did they demand attention vs. reject it. What about food intake - did it increase or decrease? How did the other ferts treat the *possible* adrenal baby? My observation is that Unagi is more alert - she has also become a begger for food. But I recently changed up the mix of food - and they don't seem to be eating as much. I notice that the girls are being very finicky and dig out a certain food but I have yet to figure out which one it is as they look so similiar. I also noticed that the other ferts are smelling her a lot more and that she really doesn't like it. She seems to be sleeping more too. Oh, and what I also notice is that her bonded sister seems to be acting kinda funny. I think it's because she knows something isn't right with her sister. She tends to sleep when Unagi is sleeping - and her normal behavior is to play/stay awake until she drops. I can't tell if her hair loss is continuing or if it's stopped at this point. Has anyone else noticed a difference in behavior prior to diagnosis of adrenal? If so could you please post to the group as I'm sure other peeps would like to know for future reference. Or you can email me direct. Thanks for your input. Fuzzyhugz, Tanya G, Max, Raider, Peanut, Goose, Unagi and Pikachu (and soon to be Mosha, awaiting our arrival in OR) ~ and for Snickers who peacefully awaits patiently and continues to make a place for us all at the bridge... [Posted in FML issue 3582]