ferrets rashes

Question
Hi. One of my ferrets gets red rashes and looses fur at these sites, usually on his lower belly area and outer hip areas. They look really red and sore at first and heal in about a week, but he keeps getting them in different places. Someone told me ferrets are allergic to swiffer products. Do you think he's allergic to something? Are ferrets allergic to microfiber? Thanks, Karen

Answer
Hello Karen,

Sorry this answer is a bit delayed.  It was a lot to type and school kept me extremely busy until the weekend.  Thank you for your patience.

There can be many reasons for hair loss including adrenal disease, flea allergy or environmental factors.  I have some questions that might make your situation a bit clearer.  Is there any other places of hair loss?  Have you noticed any fleas on your pets?  Is he itching or scratching?  

Adrenal Disease:

The most common cause of a hair loss pattern is adrenal disease.  One of the major symptoms is hair loss or thinning that begins on the tail and/or back and works its way up toward the shoulders.  Some other symptoms include a swelling of the vulva in some females (false heat), thinning of the skin, a dry or brittle pelt, aggression, weight loss and sometimes lethargy or aggressiveness.  Even ferrets with this disease do not have to show all of these symptoms.  

Adrenal disease is 100% fatal IF untreated.  The best method is surgery to remove the affected gland(s) and this should cure her.  In a young ferret, this will likely be the best option.  In older ferrets, or those that cannot go through surgery, there are medications (Lysodren, Lupron, melotion injections, etc) that can help slow the progression of the disease.  This will NOT stop it.  Only surgery can cure adrenal disease.  Remember that if money is an issue, the cost of medication/vet checks will quickly surpass the amount of a surgery in less than a year.

Some info on adrenal disease:

http://www.ferretcentral.org/faq/med/adrenal.html
http://www.ferret-universe.com/health/adrenal.asp
http://www.cypresskeep.com/Ferretfiles/Adrenal.htm    

It is difficult to say if the hair loss is due to adrenal disease or not, but it IS the most common reason.  

Fleas/Parasites:

Check his body over very carefully for any signs of another cause.  Do you notice any flea dirt?  Fleas or mites can go unnoticed by even attentive owners and can cause itching that can thin the fur.  Your vet could do a quick skin-scrape for mites and check her over for any other parasites. Fleas can not only cause itching and fur loss but carry other parasites such as tapeworms.  

If you find fleas, DO NOT use over the counter medication as treatment for ferrets!!!  Remember that it is a poison.  Never use flea collars, powers, shampoos or anything NOT given to you by a veterinarian.  There is a topical product called Revolution, but only your vet can give you the appropriate dose for a ferret.  

Shedding patterns:

Is he shedding and do you see new growth poking through?  Ferrets shed 1-2 times yearly (depending on the amount of light), mainly in the fall and spring.  At times their coats can become patchy or appear to have hair loss, but there should be new fur ready to replace the old.  

Chemical Irritants:

There is a possibility your ferret is allergic to microfiber.  Discontinue using any fabric softeners or any chemical cleaners/swiffer products.  Some ferrets are sensitive and can have allergic reactions to these.  Pets often display allergies and hair loss/itching, while people tend to sneeze and have respiratory problems.  Wash all bedding well and see if that helps.  As far as a cleaner, use VERY dilute warm bleach/water (about a 1:32 dilution... or until the water is no longer "slimy" to the touch).   He could also have a food allergy that is causing the hair loss (are we seeing a trend?  It really could be caused by almost anything!)or even season allergy.   Have you been using any other new products around the house?  If so, discontinue use immediately and see if that helps.   

Regardless of the cause, you should bring him for a checkup with your veterinarian ASAP.  A prompt diagnosis is ALWAYS the best option!  I hope everything goes well for your little guy and her hair loss is nothing more than an allergy.  Please keep me posted to his progress/diagnosis.  I will be wondering about him.  I hope this information helps.

-Cindy P.