From:
Bruce Williams, DVM
Date: 2001-03-10 00:41:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Right Adrenal Gland??
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., PALOSZOO@a... wrote:
> I believe there was recently some discussion about removing both
adrenal glands when only one is showing a lesion or tumor ~ the idea
being that it would prevent having to go back in a few months later
anyway if (more like, when) the other gland was effected.
>
> I was always under the impression, as was one of my vets, that it's
virtually impossible to find the right adrenal gland unless there's a
tumor or lesion present. So, how can both be removed if one can't be
found? I understand the theory in removing both glands in one shot to
prevent further stress of another surgery shortly after the
first....but my question is, what percentage of ferrets would
actually need a second surgery if only the currently affected gland
is removed? Can vets be doing more damage (just asking, cuz I don't
know) by removing an adrenal gland they assume will be diseased soon?
What's best for the ferret?
Dear Kim:, about 15% of adrenal cases are bilateral, and require a
second surgery. No we don't just go in and take both out, unless
they are both abnormal. Bilateral adrenalectomies run about a 50%
risk of taking lifelong medication, and the number would prbably be
higher if it was easier to due a total right adrenalectomy removal.
It's best for the ferret to take the abnormal one out - 85% will
prbably not need another surgery.
With kindest regards,
Bruce H. Williams, DVM, DACVP
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