Contributor: Nico Schoemaker, DVM, PhD, DECZM

Article 

Adrenocortical Disease in Ferrets

Hyperadrenocorticism is a common and complex clinical condition in the pet ferret. This disease occurs most frequently in ferrets three years or older but has been reported in animals as young as one year of age. Presumptive diagnosis of adrenal disease in the ferret is based on history, clinical signs, imaging diagnostics, and steroid hormone analysis. Medical therapy using deslorelin implants, though not curative, is recommended. Ferrets may remain asymptomatic for a median of 1-1.5 years. Adrenalectomy may be indicated in case non-responsiveness to medical treatment, although adrenalectomy of the right adrenal gland is difficult.

Nico Schoemaker, DVM, PhD, DECZM

Dr. Nico Schoemaker is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Avian and Exotic Animal Medicine at Utrecht University in the Netherlands…

Client Education Handout 

Insulinoma in the Ferret

This Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians client education handout provides a comprehensive overview of insulinoma, an abnormal growth of the pancreas that secretes excess amounts of insulin. Unfortunately, insulinoma is an extremely common disease of middle-aged to older ferrets in some nations. Client education is crucial for owners of affected ferrets. Teach owners to recognize signs of hypoglycemia and to prevent hypoglycemic episodes from occurring. Owners must also recognize situations that can precipitate a hypoglycemic crisis and take measures to minimize stressors whenever possible. Additional preventive measures are also explored.

Client Education Handout 

Adrenal Disease in the Ferret

Adrenocortical disease is a common endocrine disorder in middle-aged to older ferrets. This Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians client education handout answers several questions for the ferret owner:  What is the adrenal gland? What causes adrenocortical disease? What are the clinical signs of adrenal disease? How can adrenal disease be diagnosed and treated? And finally, why should I treat adrenal disease and what can be done to prevent this medical condition?