Adrenal Gland Diseases in Ferrets: Causes, Symptoms, and Next Steps
- LIBEVC
- Jul 13
- 3 min read
One of the most common diseases that affects ferrets is adrenal gland disease. Ferrets may start to show symptoms as young as 18 months old. Among the earliest signs of adrenal disease is hair loss, or alopecia, typically around the tail and progressing up the body. Currently, there is no known way to prevent adrenal gland disease completely, but several steps can be taken to reduce the risk and manage the illness.
If your ferret is exhibiting any new, unusual behaviors or showing signs of adrenal disorders, the first step is scheduling an appointment with an exotics vet. If your ferret was recently diagnosed with adrenal gland disease or if you’re looking to learn more general information, this blog was written for you.
What Is Adrenal Gland Disease?
Let’s start with the basics: All mammals have adrenal glands, and these two glands are situated near the kidneys. These glands are responsible for producing and regulating stress hormones, steroids, and sex hormones. In ferrets, adrenal gland disease refers to when the adrenal glands are producing excessive amounts of sex hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Often, this condition will lead to the growth of tumors in the adrenal glands. Adrenal gland disease is similar but not the same as hyperadrenocorticism or Cushing’s disease in cats and dogs. In Cushing’s disease, the adrenal glands will produce excessive amounts of cortisol and in ferrets the diseased adrenal glands do not produce cortisol. Adrenal disease in ferrets causes a whole host of hormonal imbalances.
Ferrets are at a higher risk of developing adrenal gland disease after the age of three. There is speculation that spaying and neutering ferrets at a young age increases the risk of adrenal diseases, but there are still reported cases of the disease in non-altered ferrets. Despite the suspected involvement in early spaying and neutering of ferrets and adrenal gland disease, it is still crucial to spay and neuter ferrets to preserve their overall health and wellness.
Signs and Symptoms of Adrenal Disease in Ferrets
So, how do you know if something’s off? The signs and symptoms can be subtle at first, but they tend to progress if left untreated. The most common clue is hair loss—often beginning on the tail and spreading up the back.
Other symptoms include:
Swollen vulva in spayed females
Aggression or increased sexual behavior in neutered males
Muscle wasting
Itching or flaky skin
Difficulty urinating (in severe cases involving prostate enlargement)
Not sure what’s normal? If you're seeing changes in coat, mood, or urination, it’s time to consult a ferret vet.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Ferret Adrenal Disease
Diagnosing adrenal disease requires a combination of clinical signs and diagnostic tools like ultrasound and hormone testing. Once diagnosed, treatment generally falls into two categories: medical and surgical.
Medical management usually involves hormone-regulating injections (like deslorelin implants), which can control symptoms and delay progression.
Surgery involves removing the affected gland(s), though this is more complex and carries risks, especially for older ferrets.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, so it’s important to work with an exotic vet who truly understands ferret physiology.
What About Life Expectancy?
One of the biggest concerns we hear is about adrenal disease and ferret life expectancy. The good news? With early detection and appropriate treatment, many ferrets live happy, active lives for years after diagnosis. But untreated adrenal disease can lead to complications like urinary obstruction or severe muscle wasting, so proactive care is key.
Aging Gracefully: Ferrets and Senior Health
It’s not just adrenal issues—older ferret health issues can include insulinoma, dental disease, heart problems, and more. Regular checkups are your best defense. Annual wellness exams (or even bi-annual in senior ferrets) can help catch subtle changes before they become serious.
Bonus Reading for Better Ferret Parenting
Looking to level up your ferret knowledge? Start with these must-reads:
And for a deep dive into nutrition, housing, enrichment, and more, bookmark our Complete Ferret Care Guide—your one-stop shop for all things ferret.
Still Have Questions?
That’s what we’re here for. Whether your ferret needs a diagnostic workup or just a wellness visit, our team at Long Island Bird & Exotics is ready to help.
Schedule an appointment with our experienced team. From mohawks to hormone swings—we’ve seen it all.
