Tumors causing adrenal disease are either benign (not harmful) or malignant (harmful). This is a GnRH analog that causes gradual reduction to the GnRH receptors in the pituitary gland, which leads to lower levels of LH being released and less stimulation to the adrenals to secrete the sex hormones. Many studies have found Deslorelin to be comparable, if not more effective, than surgery in terms of symptom improvement and post-treatment survival, and with significantly reduced risks. Cat castrate / cat spay. Thoroughly weigh out the pros and cons of each option, and talk to other ferret owners about their experience. The disease is significant and ferrets showing signs of insulinoma should be . Pet Assure vs. Other Veterinary Pet Insurance Regular pet insurance rarely covers ferrets. Ferrets can easily spit pills and liquid medications back out. No parasites, no intestinal blockages, no accidents, and will not need any nutritional support products (recovery diets for carnivores) after the treatmentetc. Annex I: Summary of Product Characteristics. When you remove the testicles (or ovaries in females) by neutering your ferret, there will be significantly less sex hormone testosterone made. Of course as with any medication, Lupron and Deslorelin are not without their own risks. If you think your ferret has adrenal disease, it's important that you take it to see a vet so they can recommend the best treatment plan. Prohaczik, A., Kulcsar, M., Huszenicza, G. (2009). There are several options for the treatment of adrenal disease in ferrets. Go to source. [Why Deslorelin works so much better than Lupron we dont really know; they are nearly identical hormones it is likely the constant hormone release of the implant that makes the difference.] Some ferrets may lose muscle tone and become weak and lethargic. Adrenal glands also produce sex hormones, but in much smaller quantities than the gonads. The adrenal cortex is vital in controlling the bodys response to low glucose levels and stress by releasing norepinephrine in addition to epinephrine. Not only this disease is treatable and there are many options available, it is also preventable. Present mostly in middle age ferrets between three and seven years of age, adrenal disease presents itself when these glands produce a high . This means that in some ferrets, receiving treatment for adrenal disease may unmask undiagnosed insulinoma or, rarely, make diagnosed insulinoma worse. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'famillypet_com-box-3','ezslot_9',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-famillypet_com-box-3-0');Your ferret will have to go to the vet for a check up and his yearly vaccines ( Rabies : Imrab-3 or Defensor-1 ) & Distemper: PureVax Ferret or Fervac-D ) and just this first visit to the vet could cost you up to $300 . Overall, the risks of Lupron and the Deslorelin/Suprelorin implant are very low. Symptoms of classic CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (the most common type of CAH) can be grouped into two types according to their severity: salt wasting and simple virilizing (also called non-salt wasting). This is a hormone shot that will help with adrenal symptoms and may reverse some of the signs temporarily. Ferrets need at least two annual vaccines, about $20 each, one against rabies and the other against distemper virus. Vote More posts from the ferrets community 1.1k Posted by [5] Those tumours can active or benign. Last modified November 15, 2020. Axolotl Throwing Up? Shannon Cutts. Diagnosis. Although Lupron is a very effective, it is expensive and must be given for the duration of a ferrets life. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders. Deslorelin/Suprelorin is also expensive, but is usually more cost-effective in the long run, and more convenient, as the implant only needs to be given twice a year. These do not get rid of the abnormal cells in the glands but they do, in a way, address the underlying issue. Removing ONE gland may remove the tumor in THAT gland, but it will by no means produce a cure of the underlying problem. Rosenthal KL, Peterson ME, Quesenberry KE, Hillyer EV, Beeber NL, Moroff SD, Lothrop CD., Jr Hyperadrenocorticism associated with adrenocortical tumor or nodular hyperplasia of the adrenal gland in ferrets: 50 cases (1987-1991). Overall, surgery is risky and can result in complications, Cryosurgery which is freezing the tissue with liquid nitrogen to destroy the abnormal adrenal growth, Extensive blood tests must be completed to diagnose adrenal gland disease, All medical treatments must be discussed with your vet, Two most popular hormonal therapies are Lupron and Suprelotin ferret implant, Suprelotin ferret implant lasts 8-20 months, Suprelotin ferret implant can be used as a prevention and instead of physical neutering of the ferret, Most ferrets can live for years with adrenal gland disease. Update of ferret adrenal disease: Etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Why Do Ferrets Yawn When You Scruff Them ? These excess hormones cause many of the symptoms that we identify as typical Adrenal Disease symptoms. A tumor is NOT malignant UNTIL it invades other tissues that is the medical definition of a malignant cancer. Prevention of heartworm disease in your pet ferret is easy, effective, safe, and cost-effective. In ferrets, adrenal disease is mainly an adrenal dependent disorder that appears to be linked to high circulating gonadotrophin levels. Watch your ferret for signs (e.g., hair loss, difficulty urinating, swollen vulva) that adrenal disease has returned. Insulinoma, a type of cancer of the islet cells of the pancreas, is the most common form of cancer in ferrets . 11 Causes And Solutions, Underweight Crested Gecko? Depending upon your vet this typically costs between $300 and $500- it's a good idea to plan for this expense early with a ferret savings account. Get your ferret from a passionate breeder and not a Marshalls ferrets, Your ferret should be out of its cage at least 6 hours a day to play and interact with you, Your ferret should have check ups every two months and stool and blood tests. Diagnostic blood glucose levels have been reported as below 40 mg/dL in some references, and below 60 mg/dL in others. Melatonin treatment block the release of these hormones from the brain, thus preventing adrenal sex hormone release. X The treatment of adrenal cortical disease in ferrets with 4.7-mg deslorelin acetate implants. $3535. Blue Tongue Skink Diet, Why Is My Blue Tongue Skink Not Eating? Association of Avian Veterinarians. In the ferret, most adrenal tumors involve the area of the adrenal gland that produces sex hormones, although tumors that produce cortisol or epinephrine do occasionally occur. The American Ferret Association, Inc. PO Box 554 Frederick, MD 21705-0554 1-888-FERRET-1 afa@ferret.org www.ferret.org The American Ferret Association, Inc. 1 Adrenal Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism) 2/20/07 ADRENAL DISEASE (HYPERADRENOCORTICISM) Rene C. Gandolfi, DVM, DIPL. The common signalment for adrenal disease in ferrets is neutered males or females typically over two years old. Johnson-Delaney, C. (2006). For example, one hormone made by the adrenal gland called DHEAS has been implicated in hair loss and prostate enlargement (which in turn causes urinary blockage). Feels hot to the touch. Any less often and the ferret will begin to experience breakthrough symptoms. Gambit is currently six years old and was diagnosed with insulinoma earlier this year. Some vets recommend surgery to treat adrenal disease. 169. One ferret lived to 9 years old before succombing to this disease after starting on the raw bovine testicles when she was 4. Is Red Axolotl Skin A Concern? However, symptoms can also appear over a monthly period, andare not limited to: Adrenal disease in ferrets is characterized by abnormal levels of hormones regularly produced by the adrenal glands. When To Worry? Treatment of Adrenal Disease in Ferrets Initially, your ferret will need to be hospitalized as the majority of patients are admitted to the veterinary clinic with what is called an adrenal crisis. Older ferrets (3 years and older) are prone to many ferret illnesses, but insulinoma is a condition that affects them more than any other pet. Axolotl Fungus Causes And Treatment, Axolotl Tail Damage Tail Curl, Tail Rot and Tail Turning Red, Step By Step Axolotl Tea Bath, Salt Bath, Antibiotics, Swollen Axolotl Cloaca/Butt/Anus 4 Causes And Treatments, Guide On Axolotl Poop Healthy vs Unhealthy, What Do Axolotl Eat? The adrenocorticotropic hormone is produced by the pituitary gland that is naturally produced to stimulate the release of adrenal gland hormones. If a ferret's blood glucose (blood sugar) levels fall to extremely low levels, the ferret can experience a seizure -with prolonged low blood glucose levels leading to brain damage and death. Are Crested Geckos Friendly? [If money is an object, Dr. Tom Kawasaki in Woodbridge VA, will probably do it for less than $300 (and he has done many more than most vets).] X Rabbit / small mammal castrate or spay. Your ferret would then need lifelong hormone supplements, which may not be financially feasible. A mange infested fox, cat, dog or even a mite that has been picked up outside the home by a human can infect a ferret. However, there are no testicles to produce testosterone, so the ON signal remains ON and in full force and STILL the body remains low in testosterone. Typically the disease manifests itself between three and four years of age, but can happen at any time after the first year of life. UVB Light Tank Setup, Blue Tongue Skink Eye Bubbles Causes, Treatment, Prevention, Blue Tongue Skink Respiratory Infection Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Blue Tongue Skink Scale Rot Cause, Symptoms, Treatment, Blue Tongue Skink Huffing? The reason as to why the adrenal glands discontinue hormone production is not known, but we do know that some diseases are linked to this rare ferret condition. Ferret Breeds , types , patterns and Colors. Hey! These hormones are also vital in slowing digestion and regulating blood sugar levels, the ferrets blood pressure, and cardiac output. When ANY organ is forced to be overactive like this, it will undergo hyperplasia and/or hypertrophy which means that it increases the number and size of cells. Gambit and Samson are still with us. Everything You Need To Know, Can Crested Geckos Eat Apples Everything You Need To Know, Can Crested Geckos Eat Grapes Safely? Eventually it can produce several hormones in excess of what the body actually needs. Although rare, germs from ferrets can cause a variety of illnesses in people, ranging . Lupron and Deslorelin are both hormones that work to turn down the Pituitarys signals. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. To understand how Adrenal Disease works, we first need to understand how the adrenal glands work when they are healthy. Suprelorin EMA. Each adrenal gland is made up of two crucial parts; the cortex (outer layer) and the medulla (center). How To Treat Axolotl Blisters And Axolotl Skin Bubbles? Jenny recovered from . This is where the GnRH agonists Lupron and the Deslorelin Acetate (Suprelorin) Implant come in. In a healthy ferret, the adrenal gland is a vital part of their hormonal release process. All of the signals we have discussed are being transmitted throughout the blood stream in the body, which means that BOTH of the adrenal glands are under the same stress from the increased ON signals. One or both adrenal glands enlarge and overproduce hormones. Adrenal Gland Disease occurs when a ferret's glands start overproducing sex steroids. Axolotl Illnesses: Guide on Axolotl Columnaris and Fungus, Symptoms Of Adrenal Gland Disease In Ferrets, Diagnosis Of Adrenal Gland Disease In Ferrets, Treatment Of Adrenal Gland Disease In Ferrets, Prevention Of Adrenal Gland Disease In Ferrets, What Diseases Do Ferrets Get And How To Prevent Them, Worms In Ferrets Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention. In rare cases, metastasis of adrenal tumours can occur. The process occurs at different rates in different cells, so tumors might become apparent in one gland sooner than the other in the same way that tumors might show up in different spots on one gland at different times. Indeed, there have been many reports of adrenal gland shrinkage in ferrets receiving the Deslorelin/Suprelorin implant. 2. A healthy ferret that is not suffering from any illness or injury will initially cost you at least $500 as initial vet fees for shots and yearly check ups, but you should plan on at least $1000 to $1500 in case your ferret has an emergency and the bill could exceed $2500 or more if you add in treatments for surgery or multiple illnesses Fat Axolotl Or Something Else? Therefore, if the doctor can see if the pituitary gland can trigger a response in the adrenal glands, the gland is likely fine and adrenal disease can be ruled out. Other Gifts: Figurines, Household, Ornaments, Deslorelin implants OR Lupron Depot shots in combination with melatonin implants, Lupron Depot shots, either monthly or every 4 months. Fleas In Ferrets My Ferret Has Fleas What Should I Do? Baby Crested Gecko Care The Ultimate Guide, Crested Gecko Hatching What To Expect (With Pictures), Crested Gecko Egg Development (With Pictures), Incubating Crested Gecko Eggs Step By Step Guide, Sick Crested Gecko? wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. In the end, only you can make this decision for your ferret. Lupron is an injection that must be given monthly if it is not given consistently, the disease will continue to progress. The right adrenal gland sits alongside the inferior vena cava, the major vein that returns blood from the lower body to the heart. These treatments are highly effective and can provide your ferret with a significantly improved quality of life for years to come. Deslorelin: Deslorelin implants are currently the best way to treat adrenal gland disease caused by benign tumors or hyperplastic conditions in most ferrets. Male ferrets may have difficulty urinating or develop repeated urinary tract infections due to prostatic enlargement and inflammation. Introduction. Log in. Adrenal disease in ferrets mimics the symptoms of a number of other ferret health conditions, so the symptoms alone will not be enough to diagnose a ferret with hypoadrenocorticism. Adrenal Disease In Ferrets (.pdf 112kb) Updated in 2013, includes medical and surgical treatments for adrenal disease in ferrets. To keep your ferret in good health and only go to the vet for routine check ups, you should. Vaccines against Distemper Virus and rabies can cost you an average of 40 each (they vary between 20 and 60) depending on where you live. If they can't or won't get Lupron, it can be very expensive, then ask about using Ferretonin/Melatonin. Insulinoma: Adrenal disease does seem to come along with insulinoma in a lot of ferrets. FACT's Federal Identification Number (EIN) is 061386567. Unusual Pets Guide 2023. The affected adrenal gland(s) can be removed surgically by a ferret knowledgeable vet. Treatment typically involves the removal of the ferret's adrenal glands. . This is why we always follow the tenets of the diagnostic process. Deslorelin: Deslorelin implants are currently the best way to treat adrenal gland disease caused by benign tumors or hyperplastic conditions in most ferrets. Symptoms: Hair loss on tail (rat tail) Full body hair loss (if left untreated) Excessive itchiness Swollen vulva in spayed female ferrets Humping other ferrets Aggressive behavior Difficulty peeing Anemia in females Muscle thinning Most at Risk: 32 Therefore, expect additional costs for the administration of diphenhydramine before a vaccination and short-acting corticosteroid or an antihistamine if there will be a complication before the vaccination. If all goes well and the veterinarian will not find any health problems in your ferret during the visits, which is unlikely! This means that in some ferrets, receiving treatment for adrenal disease may unmask undiagnosed insulinoma or, rarely, make diagnosed insulinoma worse. Without veterinary medical treatment, the ferrets body will not be able to carry out routine organ functions and the condition soon becomes an emergency situation. Please allow at least $150 to $200 for any treatment your vet may recommend. 4 Causes For Floating Axolotl, Axolotl Breeding And Egg Hatching Process Explained In 8 Steps. Other effects of hormone imbalances include bone disease, muscle wasting, weakened immune system, depression, irritability, and aggression, among other symptoms. Theres more cells, and often those cells are each producing more hormone than a normal cell. Why Is Your Axolotl Scratching And How To Stop It, White Cotton Like Fuzz On Axolotl? This may temporarily stop the symptoms of Adrenal Disease (by removing one half of the source of excess hormones), and the surgery is reported to have a high success rate, however it does not solve the underlying problem and long-term survival and recurrence data is limited. Normally, the hypothalamus sends signals to the pituitary gland, which then in turn sends signals to the adrenal glands and gonads (testicles or ovaries) telling them to produce sex hormones testosterone and estrogen (as well as other important hormones). You will probably be able to take your ferret home the day of surgery. Most will agree that surgery is the best option; however, surgery is not possible in all cases. Meanwhile, the poor adrenal gland is bombarded with a massive make hormones signal and tries madly to compensate. Axolotl Thrashing And Frantic Swimming? Usually if you treat the adrenal disease the problems with low blood sugar get a bit better. Vaccination beginning at 4 to 6 weeks of age for kits from unvaccinated jills, or at 6 to 8 weeks, for kits from vaccinated jills, plus a booster at 3 week intervals and yearly revaccination is necessary. 10 Causes and Fixes, The Perfect Axolotl Tank Set Up Step By Step Guide [2022], The Perfect Axolotl Water Parameters For A Healthy Axolotl, Axolotl Eating Sand? Abstract The adrenal glands of twenty-six, 12- to 53-month-old, ferrets without clinical signs of adrenal disease were examined and measured by ultrasonography and the findings compared with those from gross examination and histopathology. Ferrets will receive a baseline physical exam and undergo an abdominal ultrasound to document absence of adrenal disease. Introduction. Adrenal disease in ferrets occurs when a ferret's adrenal glands produce too much estrogen and testosterone, and it can lead to hair loss, difficulty urinating, lethargy, an enlarged abdomen, a swollen vulva in female ferrets, and muscle atrophy. Since ferrets have short digestive tracts, feed your ferret small meals every few hours. Adrenal disease does not get better on its own, so veterinary treatment is needed to treat this condition. Ferrets are usually severely dehydrated and require stabilization therapy of intravenous fluids containing electrolytes. The vulva is the external portion of a females genitalia. A ferret can become infected by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite by direct contact with an infected species. Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health 4 Causes For Axolotl Vomit and How To Fix It! This will give us the minimum amount of $710 to plan for your ferret as veterinary fees for the first year, if your ferret will have no health problems! % of people told us that this article helped them. Lewington, J. Then even if all goes well, you will have to take your ferret for a check up at least once every 3 months for an average of $50 to $65 for each visit, which will cost you between $200 and $260 over the year. Adrenal Disease affects the ferret's adrenal gland(s). What Does It Mean and When To Worry? Generally, vets recommend surgically removing the affected adrenal gland. She had a swollen vulva and itchiness, no hair loss. What Causes It and How To Treat, Axolotl Bloated Belly? Albino ferrets are white ferrets with red eyes. Best Ferret Diet, What Diseases Do Ferrets Get How To Prevent It, Adrenal Gland Disease In Ferrets: Suprelorin Ferret Implant Cost, Worms In Ferrets How To Prevent And Recognise Them. Lennox, A., Wagner, R. (2012). This may be due to under functioning of the remaining adrenal gland. FACT is approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (C) (3) tax-exempt organization and all donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. Updates on Adrenal Disease: GnRH Agonists and GnRH Vaccine Studies. Treatment is usually the removal of the affected gland surgically but if the ferret is not a good candidate for an operation, then it can usually be treated with drugs. Either of these can occur in either sex. All of the material on this site is an original work of authorship of the Holistic Ferret Forum or the individual original author mentioned herein. Sophie passed away in February 2017 at the age of six years old. Last Updated: December 3, 2022 Chapter 14, Endocrine Diseases. An increase in size of the adrenal gland (hypertrophy), benign adrenal tumors (adenoma) or malignant adrenal cancers (adenocarcinoma) lead to an increased release of the sex hormones. Itchiness due to adrenal disease an also be present with no hair loss. The symptoms usually begin with hair loss (alopecia) on the tail, and then it works its way forward until there is just a . Can Blue Tongue Skinks Live Together? What Causes It and How To Fix It! Adrenal tissue can grow ("hyperplasia") or may present as tumors. information. The ferret (Mustela putorius furo) is a member of the order Carnivora and the family Mustelidae.It is thought that ferrets have been living in association with humans for over 2000 years , .Ferrets are lively and engaging, and continue to gain in popularity as pets; it is estimated that there are 8 million ferrets kept as pets, making them the third most popular pet in the United States , . The adrenal glands are very important organs that produce many vital hormones that your ferrets bodies need to function. If a ferret is too old or too weak for surgery there are medications that can soothe the symptoms of adrenal glands disease. So if we dont want to risk surgery, what else can we do? Tradition resection. Possible Causes, Hedgehog Tumors Symptoms, Treatment And Cost. Causes And Treatment For Bloated Axolotl, Pregnant Axolotl Or Sick Axolotl? Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link. The primary treatment for adrenal disease is removal of the afflicted adrenal gland. Adrenal gland disease is, unfortunately, a common disease of pet ferrets in the United States. How to make a ferret litter box and which one to buy ? Your vet can recommend which ferret food to purchase. Hedgehog Coughing? (2012). A newly developed diagnostic technique is also describ Why Is My Hedgehog Squeaking? When To Worry? Other invasive diseases such as cancer or infections destroy the tissues of the adrenal glands and can cause the ferrets to develop adrenal disease. Typically, adrenal disorders occur when a ferret produces too many hormones because of an underlying disease or condition. The evidence of very high potassium level, as well as very low sodium levels, in the blood will be a clue that would suggest adrenal disease. Adrenal glands are not designed for this and this results in their degradation and formation of tumors. Additional stresses placed upon the ferret's body from caging, extended artificial lighting, improper food (they are obligate carnivores and kibble forces indigestible plant matter into their system), inadequate exercise,and emotional stresses cause the adrenal glands to try to do a job they were not meant to do. Dog castrate / Bitch spay. If the vena cava is cut during surgery, the ferret can bleed to death in a matter of seconds. You can insure your 3 ferrets, cat and dog all under one plan-for about $200 per year! What Is Gaping and When To Worry? PubMed Central Adrenal disease in ferrets most frequently affects the left adrenal. Without the release of vital life-supporting hormones from the adrenal glands, potassium levels build up in the blood resulting in a low heart rate followed by severe health conditions. This can put a ferret at risk of an insulinomic seizure if their BG is not under good control prior to receiving treatment. This can put a ferret at risk of an insulinomic seizure if their BG is not under good control prior to receiving treatment. Infant ferrets, mature ferrets, and those with chronic disease, or compromised immune systems are commonly affected. Classic CAH. Talk to your vet and see if they do Lupron shots. The adrenals are forced to try to produce enough testosterone for themselves and the missing testicles. Everything You Need To Know, Can Crested Geckos Eat Waxworms? Studies have shown that desorelin implants are more effective at controlling adrenal disease than older surgical methods of removing the enlarged gland (s). More cells mean it can make more hormone to keep up with the increased workload demand. Adrenal Disease in Young Ferrets Adrenal disease (AD) is a syndrome seen in ferrets who have been altered (neutered/spayed). 9 Reasons why ferrets bite and how to stop them ? ACD can affect ferrets under a year old. Causes, Why Is My Blue Tongue Skink Sneezing? Adrenal disease is any disorder affecting the adrenal glands -- endocrine glands that are responsible for synthesizing certain hormones. A healthy ferret that is not suffering from any illness or injury will initially cost you at least $500 as initial vet fees for shots and yearly check ups, but you should plan on at least $1000 to $1500 in case your ferret has an emergency and the bill could exceed $2500 or more if you add in treatments for surgery or multiple illnesses throughout the year. HFF uses any funds generated to help area rescues, as well as to sponsorRescuers ReliefandEuel and Connies Wooly Flyer ferret wheelchairs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. Symptoms of Dermatophytosis in Ferrets. How Does CBD Help in Pain Relief for Pets? For some unknown reason it's usually the left gland that's more commonly affected which makes it easier for vets to remove it without complications. [6] If your ferret has an adrenal disease, your vet will consider several factors to determine if surgery is a good idea. The ROOT of the problem is that there are not sufficient signals telling the Hypothalamus and Pituitary to STOP sending ON signals to the gonads (testicles/ovaries) and adrenal glands. Powered by - Designed with theHueman theme, Are Ferrets Expensive The Ultimate Guide To All Ferret Expenses, Easy Guide On Ferret Colors And Patterns With Pictures, Ferret Care Guide: How To Raise A Happy Ferret, Ferret Breeds Colors And How To Differentiate Them, Do Ferrets Make Good Pets: Pros And Cons, How To Bond With Your Ferret: The Ultimate Guide, What Should I Feed My Ferret? Axolotl Bumpy Skin Bumps, Lumps, Warts, Lesions? Now of course, not all of the diseased glands and tumors will shrink typically by the time the ferret is showing symptoms the gland is too diseased to reverse the damage. [4] Cryosurgery of the Adrenal Gland (.pdf 86kb) Cryosurgery technique to remove affected . Additionally, any time you put an animal under anesthesia there is an inherent level of risk involved. Other causes may include adrenal tumors and hyperadrenocorticism, a condition characterized by the elevated concentration of the hormone cortisol. 24,25,32 Adrenal disease is considered the second most common neoplasm in domestic ferrets; although, nonneoplastic lesions or hyperplasia can also cause the disease. Adrenal disease is very common in pet ferrets and occurs when the adrenal glands secrete too much estrogen and testosterone, either due to hyperplasia (overgrowth) or a tumor. While the exact cause of this condition has not been determined, it is believed that spaying and neutering ferrets plays a role. , your ferret will cost you at least the following amount of money as veterinarians fees: These prices can vary from one vet to another and from one type of vaccine to another ( some vaccines can cost up to $130 for both ). 2011 Symposium International Ferret Congress. Get answers fast from a veterinary professional 24/7 in the Wag! Hormonal treatment of adrenal disease only alleviates clinical signs. The testicles produce testosterone, which then travels through the blood stream and has many different effects in the body. The adrenal glands are a pair of organs located in the abdomen near the kidneys. Allow an extra 50 for the cost of the basic visit and check up and 50 for any treatment in case the vet discovers a health problem in your ferret. Disadvantages of surgery: 1) cost, 2) higher technical skill required by veterinarian. Older ferrets are more prone to tumors, cysts, accidents and other illnesses, so plan on a larger budget as your ferret turns 3. Ferret Dental Disease Go and See The Veterinarian Immediately Four of the most common diseases ferrets are vulnerable to include: lymphoma insulinoma distemper diabetes Many are treatable and preventable as long as the ferret is seen regularly and detected early by a veterinarian.