Message Number: SG1924 | New FHL Archives Search
From: Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2002-10-21 17:21:02 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Is it still an adrenal problem?
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Cc: gypsi@atlantic.net
Message-Id: <20021021132102.33055702.whiteweasel@earthlink.net>

On Sun, 20 Oct 2002 22:12:21 -0400
"Lynn Siegel" <gypsi@atlantic.net> wrote:

> He had surgery & his left gland was removed &
> 2/3rds of his right. That leaves him with 1/3rd of a right gland.

Our vet has said repeatedly that if you leave any of the gland in you
leave the disease. That is why he does vena cava ligation, which many
here claim should only be a "last resort", on every right adrenal
surgery. He gets the whole gland, and has done so for three of my
ferrets with excellent reuslts.
>
> How long before the Melatonin should start to work?

I can't answer that. Our vet isn't convinced it works in a majority of
caes.

> Does this still sound like a adrenal problem?

Yes.

> With only 1/3rd of his right
> gland left can it possibly be causing all of this?

Yes.

> Should I put him on
> Lupron?

If he's still a good surgical candidate I'd look into another surgery if
it were one of mine. If your vet isn't comfortable fully removing the
right adrenal gland I'd look for a second opinion.

The usual disclaimer applies: I am not a vet. I'm just a ferret owner
who's had six ferrets with adrenal, including one right and two who've
lost both adrenal glands. Two are still here and the other died from
metastatic cancer months later.

All the best,
Caity and the non-stop nine