Tumor ??

Question
My ferret died recently of Adrenal disease with his tumor being the size of a plum. He lost some hair on his tail and a little on his paws back in the winter. He never lost any more hair and didn't appear sick, but wasn't as perky. He was 4 1/2 yrs old. How long do tumors grow, and could it have been caught in time before rupturing ?? In March he got a check-up & blood work, but we didn't know anything about Sonograms or Exams for Adrenal disease.

Answer
Hello Robin,

I am extremely sorry for your loss. I know it must be a very difficult time for you. Adrenal disease usually presents with hair loss, so that is the first sign, generally. When you noticed the hair loss, you should have taken him into the vet for blood panels to check for adrenal gland disease. Ferrets can live untreated for this cancer for a while, but the only sure-fire cure is to have the gland/tumor removed. At that age, your ferret should have been checked for adrenal disease. They become much more susceptible to it as they get older.

I hope this answers your question and if it doesn't, please let me know. Again, I'm very sorry for your loss.

Sincerely,
Emilee Andrews