From:
ferrethealer@aol.com
Date: 2001-09-26 09:18:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Tennessee panel
In a message dated 09/26/01 7:20:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
Ferret-Health-list@yahoogroups.com writes:
While planning to have something done about the spleen, we also
wanted our vet to do the Tennessee Panel just to see if there is
any
problem with the adrenal glands so that we could deal with both
problems in one surgery.
Well, I guess my opinion on this would be that if you are already
planning to do surgery for the spleen (if that is what you are
planning), I would question the need for the Tennessee Panel. Your
vet is already going to have the abdomen open and can look at the
adrenal glands in order to evaluate them visually. If you're not
planning surgery for the spleen, then it might be worthwhile to run
the bloodwork.
As far as the panel results, I have found that if they indicate
adrenal disease, you've got a diagnosis, but I won't rule out
adrenal disease based on a negative panel. Sometimes the hormones
aren't elevated at the time the blood is drawn. I have had ferrets
tested who have been neagative, but a recheck three months later has
shown elevated levels.
Good luck - I'm glad you have a vet who's willing to learn about the
little guys!
Dr. Ruth
*****************************************
Save lives - spay or neuter your pet.