September 29, 2010
Helium.com
by Darian Peters
Ferrets can experience fur loss for a number of reasons, with each one requiring a different form of treatment. In some cases it is because of the ferret being infested by a parasitic invader. In some cases it is down to adrenal disease. But it could also be due to an allergic reaction, a poor diet, an infection, or an immune system problem. The treatment that the ferret will need to put right its fur loss will depend on which of these underlying causes is present. In cases of adrenal disorder, these glands may need removal, for instance.
There are many different causes of hair loss, or alopecia, in ferrets. There could also be some sort of infestation present. This may be mites, fleas, or ticks, amongst other parasites. Another of the common ones is a problem with the adrenal glands. There could also be an infection with some form of microorganism, such as bacterial or viral infection. The diet of the animal may also be a factor, with a deficit in a substance such as fat or protein being the cause.
There are many other diseases that could be at work. There could be a genetic problem, with follicular dysplasia being an example. Or it might be a problem with the immune system. Maybe there is an allergic reaction to some sort of allergen encountered by the animal. Diagnosis of hair loss in ferrets could be based on a thorough examination of the animal, along with the results of chemistry and blood tests and considerations of the animal’s ancestors.
Each of these different causes will need a different treatment for it. In some cases, such as with cancer or adrenal disease, then surgery is the most likely treatment, with the offending tissue being removed. If the animal has been infested with some parasite then an anti-parasitic medication might be used, with Ivermectin being one example. Preventative steps should also be taken to stop the ferret from being exposed to the same infestation in future.
If an infection is the cause of the problem then it will be important to know the particular agent at work and provide the right drug to fight it. Antibiotics would be needed for bacterial infection, whilst particular anti-viral drugs would be needed for viral infection. If there is a nutritional deficit diagnosed then this will need to be addressed by changing the diet of the ferret as advised by the vet. The cause of an allergic reaction needs to be diagnosed and treatment may require antihistamines, or preventative steps to stop further exposure to the allergen. |
