Ferret Hairloss
I adopted a
ferret a little over 2 months ago. I had noticed a little hair missing
from her tail area. Now one of my ferrets, that I've had 2 years, as
less hair on her tail. A week later my other 2 ferret's tail hairs
have started to disappear. My vet seems to think it's mange, but
I'm not sure. If you could offer any advice it would be greatly
appreciated.
The ferret's hair loss may be due to mites, hormonal imbalances ringworm or chewing behavior. Mites are common and highly contagious. They usually affect the entire body, particularly the legs, tail base and abdomen. Mite cause intense itching, and a rash in affected areas.
Ferrets are susceptible to several severe diseases and cancers of their internal organs, creating hormonal imbalances. Such imbalances cause weight loss, and symmetrical hair loss. The hair loss leaves normal underlying skin, and usually affects the back and sides.
Ringworm is a fungus which cause patches of hair loss. The edges of the hair loss regions are reddened and form scabs. Ringworm spreads quickly, and will not confine itself the tail only.
The ferrets may be over grooming each other, chewing off the tail base hair. Aggressive behavior may also be contributory. Separation and observation will help identify this as your problem. In consideration of having multiple ferrets, and the problem is confined to the tails, behavioral tail chewing is the most likely cause of hair loss.
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