From:
Lisa Shortley
Date: 2001-11-06 22:30:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Addison's
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., TR1212@A... wrote:
> If someone could please tell me, is Addison's the result of having
both
> adrenals totally removed or can it occur with the total removal of
one and
> cryo on the other?
Hi Tiffany,
I'd been posting a bunch of questions about Addison's lately as I
have 4 ferrets who had true bilateral adrenectomies within the past 3
months. If the adrenals are removed completely, via by cryo or
cutting, Addison's can set in. In Sukie's case, her ferret had
atrophy of the remaining adrenal gland and required supplimentation
as well.
It means that the adrenals aren't there to emmit the hormones needed
to regulate the sodium and potasium. I did a search on the internet
on Addison's Disease and it appears to be more prevalant naturally in
dogs. In ferrets, it's known as surgically induced Addisons.
The vet who did my surgeries gave my ferrets injections of Percortin
(DOCP), which helps regulate the sodium and potassium ratios right
after surgery. They were also on Pedia-pred (.3ML once daily for 2
weeks and then .3ML once every other day for two weeks).
I was told that at 4 weeks post op to have bloodwork done to check
these levels again - but to watch for any symtoms involving a
decrease in appetite, diarrhea, lethargy, and dehydration. If these
happen, take them in right away. The change in my ferrers was quite
dramatic, and in most, it occurred at 3 weeks post-op.
Right now, we are giving .3ML of the Percortin and are going to see
if this will last longer than what smaller doses lasted thus far.
Like I said, the difference in behavior in my ferrets has been quite
drastic. The injections kind of remind me of "battery chargers"
where my ferrets sllllooooowwww down and start to look sick with
squinty eyes and a lack of energy. I give the injection, and without
hours, they are bouncing off of walls again. It's like night and
day. My ferrets are only 10 and 12 weeks post op, so we're still
trying to figure out exactly what regimen they need to be on. From
my observances, it's different for every ferret because some only
need a smaller dose of the Percorten and they only need it monthly.
You can also treat Addison's daily with a pill, Florinef. I'm not
exactly sure of the doseage. And you can use Pred too - it all
depends on the ferret and what your vet thinks about it all.
In every case with the ferrets I've taken for bilateral surgeries
(more than 10), regardless of if cryo or cutting or laser was being
used, the general consensus has been to have the sodium potassium
ratio checked at 4 weeks post op - regardless of if no change in
behavior is shown. You'd do it sooner if you do notice a change.
Your vet would check this by drawing blood and running the
electolytes and then doing the ratio of sodium and potassium. My vet
says that if it's 28 or less, then supplimentation is necessary.
I can give you more information if you're interrested, just email me
at fer8queen @ home . com (without the spaces) or just post here - I
know there are a lot of people who have tons of experience with this
and since I'm still learning too, I may not be the best person to
give that advice!
Good luck with your ferret's upcoming surgery!
Lisa Shortley