Skin condition?

Question
Hi there. My younger sister has a 4 1/2 year old ferret named Teddybear and just tonight I noticed a red patch on his neck with what looked like possibly little scabs spread out over an area about the size of a nickel. I've read up on it a little (because I am NOT a ferret expert by any means) and I saw things like dry skin, or not a high enough fat content in his diet, or parasites... It's  possible that the little scabs are from him scratching himself, because I've noticed him scratching every once in a while. He doesn't ever go outside, so I know it's not fleas... Is this something she should take him to the vet for? She's hesitant because Teddy's previous cage buddy Ozzie was put down the last time for cancer, and doesn't think that this is very serious. His behavior hasn't changed at all and he's still eating well and his excrement is still normal as far as I've seen...

Thank you!
Adrianne

Answer
Hello Adrianne,

My apologies for not replying sooner.  My computer was out for repairs.

Many many things can cause the symptom you describe.  Has there been any changes to the area? I will go over some of the more common causes.  

Things like allergies (fleas, food, environmental) can cause the skin to itch and he can form scabs by scratching.  Other things can cause scabs too, like nutritional deficiencies and mast cell tumors.  In ferrets mast cell tumors are common and generally not a problem.  They are itchy since they release histamine, and tend to appear and regress in a cyclic manner.  Removing them is up to you if this is the cause.  It's more of an ascetic thing or if it is bother him.  

If it has not resolved by now or become worse, it is best to bring him to your vet for a checkup.  By examining him, they might be able to determine the cause and how to treat it.

-Cindy P.