From:
Joanne D'Amico
Date: 2001-10-10 13:13:00 UTC
Subject: 7783 adrenal disease surgery
Mary, I was a little confused about your fuzzy's adrenal surgery - three
of mine have had both adrenals removed, and are doing O.K. - no harm to
either kidney from the surgery. Was the vet unable to remove the right
adrenal tumor completely without taking the only kidney ? If your vet is
fairly ferret knowledgable, and has been a consciencious and caring
ferret care partner up until now, he may have been concentrating too
hard on the affected side and missed it. Ultrasound patterns can be hard
to interpret, esp. on such a small animal. I usually suggest being "up
front" and discussing things, without being rude or accusatory. If he
did his best, and it wasn't good enough, I figure we pay for the
knowledge and effort, no guarantees on a good outcome (but I sure like
paying for the good ones better) .... As to what to do with your
ferret, you may need a second opinion, or a more experienced surgeon. My
vet does so many adrenal surgeries, and has done so many right adrenals
and vena cava ligations that she has a really high success rate. Post
your geographical area, and someone will probably be able to guide you
to one. Good luck