Hi, I was looking for some opinions regarding timing of adrenal gland surgery. I have a 2 1/2 year old, who is just starting to show some hair thinning in the typical pattern--backside and base of tail. It's hardly noticable except in comparison to her sister. Other than that she does not appear to have any other symptoms. Behavior is normal. Eating/pooping is normal. No vulvar swelling. Sleep/wake pattern/playfulness with her sister all appear normal. No weakness, no atrophy. She is otherwise healthy and I am sure she would be a great surgical candidate. Is it better to do the surgery early? Does it improve prognosis? Or will it increase the risk that, at such an early stage, it will be difficult for the veterinarian to tell which adrenal gland is the culprit--thus increasing the risk that both end up removed and having to commit this young ferret to lifelong hormone replacement therapy. Or should I wait a bit, until she has a little more obvious hair loss or doesn't seem to feel as well? Does a ferret that acts well need early surgery? If anyone has any experience or opinions they would like to share, I'd love to hear them. Thanks, Kristy [Posted in FML issue 4388]