Accepted Answer

Hello,

The most common reason for hair loss in a ferret is adrenal disease (Cushing's disease). Usually this is caused by one adrenal gland which can be removed and the problem cured. Sometimes you'll even noticed an enlarged vulva with this disease, because this part of the adrenal gland that becomes affected is responsible for releasing the sex hormones.

The reason weight loss occurs with this hair loss is that the body is producing an excess of cortisol, a naturally made steroid which begins to break down the body's muscle and energy way too quickly. because this is the cause, there isn't anything you can do to 'put weight on' him- the body is working off whatever nutrients he gets and he will 'waste away'.

If not for adrenal disease, the 2 best ways to put weight on are nutrical supplement, found in any pet supply store, and hill's a/d, a high nutrient, high fat, high protein food they often love, available from your vet.

Best of luck!

Christine

Expert:	ChristineLVT
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	8/30/2009

Veterinary Technician

Licensed veterinary technician (B.S. Mercy College), 10 yrs in animal medicine and training