For a ferret with bilateral truncal alopecia and an enlarged prostate, what is the most appropriate management option?

The presence of bilateral truncal alopecia and an enlarged prostate in a ferret is indicative of an endocrinological disorder, likely related to excessive adrenal hormone production, commonly seen in adrenal disease.

In ferrets, adrenal gland hyperplasia or adenomas frequently leads to symptoms such as hair loss and can also result in changes to the prostate, including enlargement. The combination of these clinical signs suggests a need for addressing the underlying hormonal imbalance.

Adrenalectomy is the surgical removal of the affected adrenal gland, which directly targets the source of the excess hormone production. This procedure not only alleviates the alopecia by restoring normal hormonal levels but also addresses the prostate enlargement associated with the excess testosterone produced in cases of adrenal disease.

The other management options do not effectively treat the root cause of the symptoms. For instance, cystocentesis would not address the hormonal imbalance, and while a prostatectomy could treat the enlarged prostate, it does not resolve the underlying adrenal issue. Systemic antibiotics would only be appropriate if there was a clear indication of an infectious process, which is not suggested by the symptoms provided. Thus, adrenalectomy is the most appropriate management option in this scenario.