The purpose of this article is to provide the average ferret owner with the most up to date information on this disease and its treatment. Adrenal disease is primarily found in ferrets over 3.5 years of age, but has been seen as early as 9 months. Okay, you know that your ferret has adrenal disease. All sources I've checked, as well as my own experience, indicate that surgery is the best choice in a healthy ferret. Ninety percent or more of affected ferrets can be cured by surgery.
Supportive care is extremely important before, during and after surgery.
The majority of these surgeries are uncomplicated, involving only the left adrenal gland. It is highly recommended to biopsy the tissue to determine that diseased tissue has indeed been removed. Treating your ferret for adrenal disease requires case by case consideration as there are differences in anatomic presentation. It can also be used in ferrets with bilateral disease where both entire glands could not be removed. As this therapy can cause low blood glucose in some ferrets, regular monitoring of blood glucose is necessary.