balding tail

Question
QUESTION: The ferret I am talking about is one year old and her poops are normal. I was wondering if it is normal for a ferrets tail to thin( just at the tip) but then the fur would regrow and then start to thin again. She is very energetic and is always playing with our little 7 month old. She eats normal and is very perky. please help

ANSWER: Hi Madeline,

Balding tail is usually a sign of adrenal disease in ferrets, but considering that your ferret is only a year old, I am inclined to say that isn't the reason. Can you take a picture of it and send it to me either through this or if you can't attach it to this, when you post a follow up, make it private and I'll give you my email and you can email it. When ferrets develop something called blackheads on the tail from overproduction of oils, the hair on their tail starts to thin out and it could easily be that. Let me know however you want to do it and we'll get if figured out from there!

Sincerely,
Emilee Andrews

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beckys tail   QUESTION: thank you so much. i took this pic with my phone. hope ithelps.

ANSWER: Hi Madeline,

It does look like it might be a case of blackheads on the tail, or "rat tail", as some people call it. Here is some more info. Just scroll down until you see "rat tail".

http://www.ferretnews.com/issues/ferret-news-95.html

You should see the hair come back in after a week or two and if you don't notice a change, you should see the vet right away! I hope this helps and if you need anything else, as always, please don't hesitate to ask!

Sincerely,
Emilee Andrews

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QUESTION: THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH!!!! I thought that she was in pain and that she was in danger. :(   what should i do though. i didn't get it. do you just use a washcloth with the stuff on it or do you pour it on the tail.

Answer
Hi again, Madeline,

You would want to wash her tail just like you would wash it when you give her a bath. Just make sure, as with any bath, that you rinse, rinse, rinse! I would suggest using your hands or a washcloth!

Let me know if you need anything else!

Sincerely,
Emilee Andrews