From:
Joanne D'Amico
Date: 2002-08-27 21:51:54 UTC
Subject: Addensonian Crises - Rx?
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <3D6BF47A.2DD5E95F@bellsouth.net>
Sugar, one of my bilateral adrenalectomy fuzzies passed away Sunday, as
a result of an Addensonian crisis which started on Friday. She was 6
years old, on pred + florinef, lupron (due to possible ectopic tissue or
metasteses), and Enacard for cardiomyopathy. She rallyed several times,
appeared stabilized, then crashed again, until her heart and kidneys
couldn't take it any longer, and I had to let her go ...
I previously asked if it might not be easier on a ferret to take both
adrenals at the same time, even if only one was affected, and all
responses were a definite NO - due to the risk of a crash. Having gone
thru it, I can now definitely vote with the "NO"s. Both of her adrenals
had to be removed August of 2001, but she seemed to do well - good post
op checks, a tooth out in June with no problems. Took her and Precious
in Wednesday for their check-ups and monthly Lupron, noticed a bit of
loose stools that PM, not unusual for her after the stress of a trip to
the vet, made a note to call in the AM if it wasn't better ... next AM
I found her limp and cold.
We pretty much know what to do for a low blood sugar, but I would
welcome a quick course on immediate first aid for a crash due to
Addison's - it takes 30 minutes to get to the vet. My vet said the
sugar, sodium and body temp plummets (her temp was 92 when we arrived at
the vet's). She recommended a hair dryer set on low, blown indirectly
into towels wrapped around the ferret can help in a pinch, taking
special care not to overheat or burn the ferret - some blowers can get
really hot quick. But what about the sugar and sodium ? Pedialyte ? She
wasn't awake, able to swallow, so I would be afraid of choking,
aspiration. Anything injectable, for those of us who are able? I doubt I
could hit a vein (they had to insert an intraosseous cath), but sub Q? I
am keeping a hot water bottle in the emergency kit, for the drive,
anything else quick and beneficial that can be done? Thanks
End of ferrethealth Digest
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