Ferret Adrenal-Associated Endocrinopathy

A 4-year-old spayed female ferret presented with pruritic alopecia and an enlarged vulva, leading to a diagnosis of adrenal-associated endocrinopathy (AAE) due to an adrenocortical carcinoma. Despite normal blood tests and radiographs, ultrasonography revealed an enlarged left adrenal gland, which was surgically removed. Post-surgery, the ferret experienced complete hair regrowth within 4 weeks and remained healthy, except for mild tail alopecia, 2 years later. AAE in ferrets was characterized by elevated sex hormones, particularly estrogens, causing alopecia and estrus-like effects in females, and potentially leading to cystic prostate issues in males. Clinical signs typically appeared seasonally but could become persistent over time.