It has been a long time since I've published to the list, I do hope all of
my ferret friends are doing well.
 
Some situations have arisen with Angora Ferrets that I and some other
owners locally are getting quite concerned about.
 
We are asking other Angora owners and breeders to help us compare notes.
 
One of the concerns that we have is in the summer months just after the
spring shedding season, they seem to be losing all of their hair on the
tails and some are losing the hair on their backs.  When the fall comes,
generally speaking, most of the ferrets locally grow their hair backs.
 
One of the local ferrets did not grow his hair back, and was taken in for
exploratory adrenal surgery.  His adrenals were fine.
 
Some of the questions raised are:  Is this normal for the breed?  Is this
regional?  (We're in New England).  Why does this occur?
 
Also, if any other Angoras have had surgeries where their Veterinarians
have found large abdominal fat deposits.  (The one in question did).
 
I would appreciate any feedback you other Angora owners can give us.
 
Thanks in advance,
Sharon Burbine,
Wolfie's mom
[Posted in FML issue 2512]