My younger ferret is beginning to lose a bit of hair on the end of his tail....?

The "rat-tail" is actually showing at the tip. We live in Houston, Texas USA so it's quite hot these days (although he's almost always indoors; it is still warmer than usual in the house). He has no additional fur loss anywhere on his body and no signs of any illness in his behavior (he is bouncing around like crazy, as always). Is this something we should take him in to the vet for or is it just normal shedding due to the heat.

This is his 3rd summer in Houston (nothing last summer). He is now just over 2 1/2 years old.

My younger ferret is beginning to lose a bit of hair on the end of his tail....?

You're either dealing with simple rat tail, which is sometimes seen during a shed, or adrenal disease. Based on my experiences, at 2 1/2 years of age I would be highly suspect of adrenal disease. However, if you're not seeing any other symptoms you could wait it out until the fall to see if the hair comes back in. If you're seeing hair loss anywhere else on the body, either now or in the future, or see other signs that something isn't right (this includes behavioral problems such as aggression and/or sexual aggression) get your ferret in for a vet check and have the adrenal panel run. Here's the information you'll need....

Adrenal Panel for Ferrets - Test for adrenocortical disease in ferrets.

Collect baseline serum sample (0.5 ml). Centrifuge samples as soon as possible, separate and freeze.

Ship frozen samples preferably in styrofoam container, next day delivery, on Monday - Thursday with 1-2 cool-packs (add insulating materials [peanuts; paper], and seal styrofoam seams with tape).

The following hormones will be assayed: Estradiol, Androstenedione and 17-hydroxyprogesterone. The assay is run each week.

UTCVM Clinical Endocrinology Service

Department of Comparative Medicine, Rm A105

A-105, Veterinary Medical Building

2407 River Drive

Knoxville, TN 37996-4543

Tel: (865) 974-5638

FAX: (865) 974-5640

http://www.vet.utk.edu/diagnostic/endocr...

If adrenal disease is the cause treatment is available. You can opt for surgery, though in my experience it is not very effective. Melatonin implants are another, though even less effective, option. And then there's Lupron (hormone injections that must be given regularly for life) which, in my experience, is the most effective treatment.

My younger ferret is beginning to lose a bit of hair on the end of his tail....?

Not sure luv, maybe you need to change his bedding for mites? Do you actually see him trying to pull it out, or do u find bits of his hair around his cage? I'd take him to the vets just for a quick check over, they'll probably give you some stuff to put on it to soothe it for him. I don't think it's that serious if he's still playing normally and seems his old happy self : )