From:
Lisa Shortley
Date: 2001-10-23 13:11:00 UTC
Subject: Addison's disease in ferrets
Hi,
I've searched the archives but can't seem to figure out exactly what
Addison's disease is.
I have four ferrets who have been through two adrenal surgeries
each - the most recent round within the past 4-8 weeks - all their
electolytes were off by 3 weeks post-op, despite being given an
injection of percortin at the time of surgery and being on pedia-pred
(.3ML once daily for 2 weeks, then .3ML once every other day for two
weeks).
Because these were second surgeries for all of them, I'd known to
surely watch for signs of their ratios being off, their vet was
fairly sure he'd removed everything.
From the mentions of Addison's disease, I'm assuming this has
something to do with ferrets having true bilateral adrenal
surgeries. I've heard mention some risks of levels being off and
ferrets being off. I've been very vigilant with my ferrets and with
giving the injections.
Can anyone explain to me exactly what Addison's Disease is and how
this might affect my ferrets since they are truely bilateral?
Thanks so much
Lisa