Ferret with possible allergies

Question
I have a male ferret (3 years old this dec) who has developed a rash (missing
hair in these areas from scratching). We have already done all the possible
blood work to rule out adrenal disease, so now the vet wants to do a biopsy
of his skin. I think it could be the laundry detergent I recently switched to...I
went ahead and bought dye free, etc and plan on not using any softner. Any
thoughts on what this could possibly be, or anyone else have a similar
situation?  Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Answer
Hello Crystal!

Allergies do occur in ferrets, just as cats, dogs and people!  Often the cause is difficult to isolate, since it can be anything from seasonal allergies from pollen, food, litter, or even the fabric softener you use.  The symptoms can be coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing, itching, etc.  Usually itching is more common than upper respiratory problems in pets.  Unfortunately allergies can start at any age.  My cat was 10 before she developed a food allergy, for example.  The symptoms you are mentioning could be seasonal, but it might also just be a coincidence.  You might want to try eliminating some common causes to see if that helps.

I see that your vet has already done some testing to rule out adrenal disease.  Has he done a skin scraping?  Mites and other little buggies can cause itching.  If he has, try to eliminate any possible cause of allergy (ie fabric softener, etc) and see if that helps.  If not, more tests, such as the biopsy, might be necessary.  

First, discontinue any use of fabric softener in any of your pets blankets and bedding.  Fabric softeners are a common source of allergy.

Another cause could be diet.  Make sure you are using a high quality ferret food that is protein based and not carbohydrates.  often, low quality food causes allergy, and is also very unhealthy and can lead to other health problems.  If you would like more info on food, please visit the link below for a question I answered for someone regarding diet.  

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Ferrets-2277/2008/6/food-ferrets.htm  


What type of litter do you use?  Clay cat litter contains dust that are renowned for causing upper respiratory problems as well as itching and scratching!  Also, most wood chips are toxic, and carefresh can cause obstructions.  I recommend switching to Yesterdays News if you do not already use it.  it is made from recycled newspaper and works wonderfully.  You can readily purchase it from any large pet store.  

Yesterdays News website:
http://www.yesterdaysnews.com/?D=686994&T=4343138

Ask yourself if you have begun to use any different products lately.  There are SO many things that these guys cold be allergic to!  Make sure you use only pet-safe cleaners around your ferret.  Lysol or harsh chemicals are very toxic. It is a possibility she is having a reaction from even minimal exposure to cleaners.   

Seasonal allergies or those of unknown origin might be more difficult to determine.  If they are seasonal, they will return every year around the same time.  The likely cause would be plant pollen or some other debris in the air.  

As long as he is eating, drinking and maintaining a normal activity level it would be fine to keep an eye on him.  If he becomes worse, or has labored breathing, you should see your veterinarian ASAP.  He can give steroid injections to help with allergies, although I do not condone the use of steroids long term since they can cause serious health problems.  It is far better to find the root of the cause which is possible though extensive testing, although this can be expensive.  

There is also a possibility that this is not allergies at all.  It could be a sign of another underlying cause.  This is why I recommend further testing if it does not clear up.  

Good luck Crystal!  I hope this information has proved useful.  please let me know if you have any other questions.    

-Cindy P.