From:
Caitlyn M. Martin
Date: 2001-10-09 11:41:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] HELP: Adrenal disease, missing Lt
kidney, and extensive Rt adrenal
Hi,
> Well, My ferret has a congenital lack of
> the left kidney and the right adrenal was described as overgrown and
> wrapped around the vena cava.
My Pertwee has no right kidney and no adrenal glands left. The tumors in both
adrenal glands were malignant carcinomas. It's been almost a year and a half
since his second adrenalectomy and over a year since the nephrectomy. He is
bouncy, bright, and disease free.
> During what now became an exploritory
> surgery, not an adrenalectomy, he asked me if I wanted him to proceed
> with removal but was well advised she may die during the operation.
[...]
> I am likewise angy that he feels there is nothing additional to do
OK, here I have a *very* strong opinion. If you had a diagnosis which you
didn't like about yourself, and you weren't comfortable with your doctor, you'd
get a second opinion, right? That's exactly what I'd do for your ferret. Find
a very experienced ferret vet who has done successful, difficult right adrenal
surgeries, either by ligating the vena cava or by cryosurgery. The "wrapped
around the vena cava" isn't necessarily a death sentence. I have a friend who
had a fert with a right similar to what you described. Cryosurgery was done
and the little girl is fine. My vet does vena cave ligation and also has an
excellent success rate. If you tell us where you are perhaps someone on list
can recommend another vet. Even if you have to travel some, it may well be
worth it.
At the very worst, you'll be out whatever the second vet charges and have
confirmation of what your original vet has told you. At least then you'll know
you'll have done all you can. At best, your fert may live a long, happy life.
I know it would be worth it to me to find out.
Good luck!
Caity