From:
Lisa Shortley
Date: 2001-10-08 15:06:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Scantily Clad Ferrets
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., katharine <katharine@n...> wrote:
> Cedes had a bilateral adrenalectomy on July 31.
> At the time, he was balding on his rear. Since
> his surgery, he has lost lots more fur. His fur
> is sparse all the way up to his neck. In
> addition, the shaved area on his tummy is just as
> sparse. When should I start to worry?
I have had three cases of bilateral adrenal surgeries that within 2-4
months didn't grow back fur. None of their sodium potasium ratios
came back off either. Matter of fact, they were all between 30-
35.
All three of these went back in for surgery and ectopic tissue was
found in various places - one was by the liver, another under a fat
pocket, another in the general area of the adrenal but not right at
the site.
Anyway, since this ectopic tissue removal, all three are on
injections of Percorten. At three weeks post-op of these surgeries,
two ratios were at 17, 24, and 27 despite receiving an injection the
day of surgery. A ratio that wouldn't need supplimentation is
anything greater than 28. My three receive injections every three
weeks.
I was worried about going back in within three months of the prior
surgeries, but I knew their symptoms and because their ratios didn't
come back off, that there was still adrenal tissue in there. In all
three cases, the second surgery was the right thing to do.
My vet who did the surgeries (very knowledgible) said that he's
seeing a surplus of ectopic tissues - now that he's looking for it.
He said that these tissues are microscopic and float. Then when both
adrenals are removed, they can grow larger and emitt enough hormones
to keep adrenal symptoms present. He feels that once these ectopic
tissues are removed, the ferret should need supplimentation for life -
but adrenal symptoms should never return.
Good luck to you.
Lisa