skin

Question
Hello, I have asked you a question before and you were right on with your answer so I have another question.  I own a 6 month old ferret and on his neck, the underside, he seems to have about 6 areas where there is slight hairloss and the area is like orange-red and looks like dry skin.  He doesnt scratch at all and is very active and happy, but I am worried because I just read about mast cell tumors and I am hoping thats not it.  The areas are small, rounded, and feel dry and rough.  What do you think this is because I am concerned for him.  Thank you

Answer
Hello Tracy,
It is very hard to tell what your ferret has just from a description, but it may be a simple allergic reaction, or it could simply be a contact dermatitis.
Has any of the following happened previously to this inflammation:
You changed soaps, bedding, litter deodorizer, or any other ferret product?
You changed food?
You ferret has been outdoors?
Your ferret came in contact with another ferret?
These are all things that can cause your ferret to have an allergic localized skin reaction. It may help to narrow it down, or to trigger some event where your ferret could have been exposed to an allergen.
BUT, worse case scenario, if it is mast cell tumors, they are the  second most common skin tumor in the ferret. AND, although they can be malignant in a dog or cat,  are generally benign in the ferret. There are NO reports of malignant mast cell tumors in the ferret medical literature. So that should ease your mind a little.

     Mast cells usually cause  redness associated with hives and other allergic conditions. Mast cell tumors usually appear as flat, often hairless, small plaques on the ferret's body.  They may be somewhat crusty, as ferrets will often chew or scratch at these sites, as some of these tumors itch. Excision of these tumors is considered curative.

My BEST advice is that if the areas are NEW onset, then wash the area gently with Phisohex, or a baby shampoo, and see if it resolves in a few days to a week. IF the areas have been there for a while, take your fuzzy to the vet for a checkup. Good luck, and please keep me posted!

amy