I have a ferret with AD. He's 6.5. He was losing most of his fur but seemed to be feeling fine, no fatigue or anything. Due to his age and his apparently feeling okay, the vet and I decided not to do the surgery. But now there's something else. He was almost totally bald on his body trunk several months ago when I put them in a basement room with no natural light and a lamp with a timer set to be on only several hours a day. Now he's starting to grow fur back on his trunk, nothing like the soft, rich fur before. This is very thin, wiry, rough fur. Has anybody every heard of this?
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Ferret with AD
jeffferret
Jan 18, 2006 09:39 AM
Replies (4)
cathyjp7
Jan 19, 2006 08:54 AM
There are actually layers to a ferret's coat. There are coarse hairs and then a softer undercoat. Your ferret is probably regrowing the coarser part of his coat, which is better than nothing. Also, male ferrets with AD sometimes have prostate enlargement which can restrict or completely obstruct the ability to urinate. If he's not on something to control the prostate be sure to keep an eye on him to make sure he's able to urinate. If he can only go is short spurts or keeps trying with no results, or if he cries during urination, get him to the vet ASAP. This can not only be painful but can also be fatal. Good luck with your little guy.
WeaselLuvr
Jan 19, 2006 12:53 PM
Adrenal ferrets do sometimes grow their fur back. You could try a melatonin implant so he'll get the soft, thick fur that he should have. I have a little girl on an implant right now and she has the best coat in the house.
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I've learned that I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy it.
jeffferret
Jan 19, 2006 08:40 PM
The vet never mentioned medication for the prostate. He did warn about trouble urinating. He's very knowledgeable with ferrets, he's the vet for the local ferret shelter. What's the name of the medication? Any risks? General information, etc.
cathyjp7
Jan 20, 2006 08:26 AM
I think it is propecia, but I'm sure you'd have to get it from the vet, or a prescription from the vet. I'm sure the prostate thing is why he mentioned the trouble urinating. Just keep an eye on it and if he starts having problems, don't hesitate to get him to the vet.
