From:
Caitlyn M. Martin
Date: 2001-11-09 22:51:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] Needs adrenal surgery
Hi,
> Bob Church has a very well-done
> article on adrenal disease and from what we can gather from the article,
> ferrets that do not have any treatment live about a year, plus or minus 6
> months. And ferrets older than 5 that have surgery will live about 1 and a
> half years, plus or minus 6 months. It doesn't sound very encouraging.
>
The length of time untreated depends on a number of factors. The complications
from untreated adrenal disease can be fatal, though. However, the length of
time with surgery should be the ferret's normal lifespan, barring unforseen
complications, insulinoma, or a recurrence of the adrenal disease. I think my
vet would disagree with the 18 month prognonis Bob Church gives. I certainly
know of at least one ferret who had adrenal surgery at age five and is still
around at age eight. I wouldn't give up on Simon just yet, but I certainly
would be prepared to do some travelling to find a qualified vet.
Good luck!
Caity and the terrific 10