If both of your ferret’s adrenals are affected, surgery is not a good idea. Removing both adrenals would lead to significant hormone deficiencies. Your ferret would then need lifelong hormone supplements, which may not be financially feasible. [8] X Research source If surgery is not an option for your ferret, your vet will recommend medications to treat the symptoms of adrenal disease. [9] X Research source
If your vet does not have a lot of surgical experience with removing ferret adrenals, they will likely refer you to a veterinary surgeon with more experience. Partial removal of the right adrenal gland is not a reasonable treatment option, since it would only slow down the progression of adrenal disease, not cure it. [12] X Research source
You will probably be able to take your ferret home the day of surgery.
Sometimes, after an adrenalectomy, the remaining adrenal develops a tumor, causing a disease recurrence. Watch your ferret for signs (e. g. , hair loss, difficulty urinating, swollen vulva) that adrenal disease has returned. [17] X Research source The vulva is the external portion of a female’s genitalia. [18] X Research source Disease relapse occurs in about 40% of ferrets after an adrenalectomy. [19] X Research source
Melatonin treatment block the release of these hormones from the brain, thus preventing adrenal sex hormone release. [22] X Research source Time-release melatonin implants that go under the skin[23] X Research source can mimic the body’s seasonal rhythm of melatonin levels. Your vet would use a device to inject the implant under the skin. Every 3 to 6 months, your vet would need to replace the implant. [24] X Research source Although melatonin can be given by mouth, it is very challenging to give a ferret an oral medication. Ferrets can easily spit pills and liquid medications back out. [25] X Research source Melatonin is not curative. [26] X Research source
Although Lupron is a very effective, it is expensive and must be given for the duration of a ferret’s life. [28] X Research source
Deslorelin is implanted under the skin. [31] X Research source As you consider medical treatment for your ferret, remember that the drugs will not cure adrenal disease. They will only reduce the disease symptoms. [32] X Research source
Muscle atrophy (loss of muscle tone). This muscle loss can occur over the abdomen Difficult urination in male ferrets Swollen vulva in female ferrets Enlarged abdomen Weakness and tiredness
Your vet can recommend which ferret food to purchase. Freeze-dried or frozen commercial foods come in small chunks and would be easy to feed your ferret. Since ferrets have short digestive tracts, feed your ferret small meals every few hours. [36] X Research source Ferrets like drinking water when they eat, so make sure your ferret’s water bottle is full at mealtime. [37] X Research source Ferrets cannot digest carbohydrates. [38] X Research source
Is free of dangerous objects, such as electric wires Is situated away from drafts, such as air vents Has a shallow water bath, if the ferret enjoys playing in water Has an easily-accessible toilet area (e. g. , litter box) that is separate from other areas of the cage
