Q: "One of my ferrets has had adrenal problems for about a year now. The vet removed the left one but couldn't get out the right one. I have two questions. First, what is the adrenal....Second, my Howie broke his leg jumping off the couch and I wondered if it was related...." A: For two questions I get extra raisins. In 125 lines, I get money. Technically, adrenal means "near the kidney," so it could be used to describe a number of things. In practice, adrenal usually refers to a gland that is found on the head-end of the kidneys. The adrenal gland is composed of two parts, the internal medulla and the outer cortex. These two parts have different functions, and are actually anatomically distinct. The adrenal cortex produces three types of hormones; Glucocorticoids (which increase blood glucose levels), Mineralcorticoids (which help regulate electrolyte levels), and Androgens (which have a masculating effect and increases muscle mass), while the adrenal medulla produces Adrenaline and Noradrenaline. Glucocorticoids (such as hydrocortisone, cortisone and cortisterone) cause the liver to increase glycogen levels, they raise blood sugar levels, and they also act as anti-inflamatory agents. It is easy to understand why some ferrets with adrenal tumors have a difficult time maintaining blood sugar, while many others seem very energetic and increase their activity levels. Most of the people who have responded to the adrenal survey indicated their ferrets typcially display the later characteristic, which *could* indicate the tumor increased glucocorticoid production. Mineralcorticoids (such as aldosterone) are essential in regulating the salt and water concentrations in the blood and extracellular tissues. If they are goofed up, you could either have electrolyte or fluid imbalances, which affect everything from cardiac output, urinary volume, thirst, and increased/decreased salt requirements. Many ferrets with adrenal tumors become very thirty, and have increase urinations. They also develop osteoporosis, which I'll talk about later. Androgens (such as androsterone and testosterone) promote male characteristics and are necessary for maintainence on muscle mass. In most females, their effects are masked by estrogens, but when the estrogens are gone, they become more apparent. This is why post-menopausal ladies grow moustaches, and neutered ferrets with adrenal tumors can become quite aggressive, and even start displaying sexual behaviors and traits. Adrenaline (AKA epinephrine) and Noradrenaline are powerful hormones which increase blood sugar levels, slow down the bowels, increase blood pressure and heart and metabolic rates, and generally prepares the ferret for action. Noradrenaline is similar to adrenaline, but is not as immediately powerful nor as long lasting. When you are startled by someone, the sudden buzz you feel is a result of adrenaline being pumped into your body to prepare it for flight or flight situations. Ferrets with adrenal tumors often display increased body heat and eat more, reflecting an increase in the metabolic rate. Some also have increased bloodpressure and heart rates. Other symptoms can include problems with maintaining proper sugar levels, excitability, and nervousness. Because the adrenal gland is composed of two parts, and because a tumor can reside in both or either parts, the inital symptoms of adrenal disease can vary, and many are not noticed at all until hair loss (due to elevated coristeriods) occurs. They can be slow to show, develop gradually, and, depending on the area of the adrenal affected, may never show any severe symptoms until it to too late to do much for the little guy. Osteoporosis (abnormally light, decalcified bones) is common in ferrets suffering from adrenal disease; in 8 ferret skeletons where the poor beastie died from adrenal-related problems, I found osteoporosis to some degree in all of them, yet never found osteoporosis in 12 other ferret skeletons where the beastie died of non-adrenal problems. My sweetie, Razz, died earlier this year from a series of massive strokes, which came on suddenly and unexpectantly. Her bones displayed extreme osteoporosis, and a close inspection of both the adrenal and pancreas showed small cancerous nodules. When the skeleton was prepared, the left tibia had a large lumpy mass on it, and the dried skeleton weighed 1/3 less than it should have. Between the necropsy and the skeleton, it was clear that Razz developed a cancer, which spread to her internal organs and bones. When it reached the adrenals, it caused an increase in cortisteriod production, causing osteoporosis (the cancer in the bones could have also caused the osteoporosis, and the two together probably accounts for the severity that I found). The stroke must have been the result of a combination of increased adrenaline production resulting in higher than normal blood pressure, coupled with water balance problems, yet I never saw a symptom until it was too late and nothing could be done. The reason for the osteoporosis is because bone is the body's storehouse of electroyltic salts. When mineralcorticoid levels are thrown off, one of the effects is that bone is disolved to replace blood salt levels, which are being eliminated in the urine. Over time, the bone gradually gets thinner and thinner. The ferret is always thirsty, has increased urination, sometimes forms kidney stones, and loses bone mass. The end result, over time, is the bones get thinner and thinner. As for the ferret in question, Talk some more with your vet. I would have anther blood series drawn to make sure the steroid levels are at normal levels. Ferret bones are much stronger than they need to be, and although I've heard of fractured or dislocated joints, I think the actual incidence of jumping-related fractures is rather small, especially from objects as low as couches. Perhaps the limb was trapped by something that caused it to bend in the middle? Osteoporosis is easily confirmed with an x-ray of the affected areas, which might not be a bad idea if you suspect it. I also recommend you ask your vet about bone-meal and vitamin supplements, which can be mixed with nutrical for ease of administration, and help to offset the dissolution of bone for metabolic needs. Please keep me informed of your ferets progess and condition. Bob C and 20 Boneheads [Posted in FML issue 2168]