Archive Case #85: Ferret Adrenal Disease

Clinical Clues

1. A neutered ferret is presented for progressive symmetrical hair loss over the tail and trunk.
2. The owner also reports increased itchiness and behavioural change.
3. A female ferret in the household develops vulvar enlargement despite having been previously desexed.
4. Ultrasound identifies enlargement of one adrenal gland.
5. The syndrome is linked to excessive sex hormone production rather than cortisol excess in this species.
6. Adrenal disease in ferrets commonly causes alopecia and reproductive tract signs.

Diagnosis

Ferret Adrenal Disease

This case is most consistent with Ferret Adrenal Disease because the ferret has symmetric alopecia, pruritus, reproductive tract signs, and adrenal enlargement. The most important clues are the species-specific endocrine pattern and imaging findings, which make seasonal coat change less likely.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.