There are two adrenal glands that are each located next to a kidney. The gland has two major layers that function as two different endocrine organs. The outer layer is called the adrenal cortex and it makes steroid hormones such as sex hormones, glucocorticoids, and mineralocorticoids. The inner layer is called the adrenal medulla and it makes catecholamines such as epinephrine.
In ferrets, adrenal gland disease occurs when one or both of the adrenal glands produce abnormal amounts of the sex hormones called androgens and/or estrogens. Very rarely, the overproduction of androgens can cause the development of two serious complications: bone marrow suppression resulting in anemia, a decrease in red blood cell formation, prostate enlargement in male ferrets, a condition which blocks the flow of urine.
Adrenal gland disease mainly affects middle age to older ferrets. Although not usually a serious health concern, ferrets may have no relief from the itching that is associated with this disease if it is not treated.
It is important to realize that adrenal gland disease is not the same condition as Cushing's disease, which affects dogs. Dogs can also develop adrenal problems, but their dysfunction does not involve the overproduction of sex hormones. Serum cortisol concentrations are normal in most affected ferrets and they also have a normal response to the ACTH stimulation test. A more appropriate term is hyperadrenocorticism or adrenal gland disease.
