From:
PALOSZOO@aol.com
Date: 2001-03-09 09:18:00 UTC
Subject: Right Adrenal Gland??
I believe there was recently some discussion about removing both adrenal glands when only one is showing a lesion or tumor ~ the idea being that it would prevent having to go back in a few months later anyway if (more like, when) the other gland was effected.
I was always under the impression, as was one of my vets, that it's virtually impossible to find the right adrenal gland unless there's a tumor or lesion present. So, how can both be removed if one can't be found? I understand the theory in removing both glands in one shot to prevent further stress of another surgery shortly after the first....but my question is, what percentage of ferrets would actually need a second surgery if only the currently affected gland is removed? Can vets be doing more damage (just asking, cuz I don't know) by removing an adrenal gland they assume will be diseased soon? What's best for the ferret?
Kim Schilling
Author, Ferrets for Dummies
http://www.animalsforawareness.org