Several people have written about tail hair loss on ferrets, black dots, red and flaky skin, etc. And I am the non-vet person who sometimes addresses ferret problems here (and takes the brunt of criticism for it), but I do want to say that ferret problems are often elusive and we can all benefit by the experiences and thoughtful input of others who may have had similar medical and behavioral experiences with their ferrets. I certainly do, reading and making notes on various treatments and responses from both vets and "non-vets". There's room for us all. I spend much of every day saving lives of ferrets brought to this shelter which has a wide reputation for success in treating ferret medical problems where vets are either not a financial option, have failed to cure, or have shrugged at the problem. I have one tonight sturggling with pnemonia--on oxygen and antibiotics; one recovering from emaciation and now eating up a storm; one with insulinoma and dealing with recurring seizures as he reaches the advanced stages of the disease (but he keeps coming back, with a little help from his friends....), so take the suggestions, ignore the suggestions and scroll on, or make a note of my e-mail address for that late night when your vet is unreachable or unknowledgeable, and I'll be here. As to hair loss on ferrets tails, there are, of course, many causes and the vets have wisely added the more definitive symptoms of adrenal disease. Ferrets naturally drag their tails everywhere they go and it would be reasonable that they would pick up some hitchhikers on the way--such as mites from the carpet.My solution to tail hair loss when it only involves the tail is to wash it thoroughly once a day for a week with a good antibacterial soap. That's all. And then wait. The hair usually starts growing back in a couple weeks. If the skin is red or flaky, you could certainly apply a medicated ointment as well. I would also check the ears, because the way ferrets sleep, with their tails over their ears, mites can well be transmitted back and forth. If this treatment doesn't work, explore other possible causes. Best to all the FMLers and their ferrets. I'm here to help, not to argue! Carolyn Kinsey, vet tech/shelter operator [Posted in FML issue 1439]