From:
Ferrethealer@aol.com
Date: 2002-07-23 00:52:25 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Digest 23 Jul 2002 00:40:06 -0000 Issue 29
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <165.108c68e6.2a6e02c9@aol.com>
In a message dated 07/22/02 8:40:44 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
ferrethealth-digest-help@smartgroups.com writes:
> Does adrenal disease show up on x-ray and or ultra sound?
An enlarged adrenal may show up on ultrasound, but in my experience, will not
show up on an xray.
> My local vet thinks that this is the best way to diagnose adrenal disease.
> Nothing showed up on our current x-ray.
> Also, she states there is no blood work available to test adrenal. I'm
> pretty sure there is.
Yes, there is. There is a hormone panel available from the University of
Tennessee. Some laboratories can also run these hormone levels.
> She says we need to just wait and see and keep an eye on my ferret. I'm not
> sure I agree with this.
> Isn't adrenal also diagnosed by signs and symptoms?
That's the way that I usually diagnose it.
> My Chong has thinning hair, is super itchy, has a bald spot the size of a
> nickel at the base of her tail, is extremly agitated and much more
> demanding than usual and also her nipples are swollen and red.
> To me, sounds like possible adrenal or ovary remanent. She says it might
> just be stress.
To me this sounds like you're probably right.
> I'm looking into seeing another vet at this time.
Perhaps your vet simply needs more information on the differences between
ferrets and other species. Dr. Purcell's book "Essentials of Ferrets: A
Guide for Practitioners" is a good starting point, as are Fox's textbook and
Hillyer and Quesenberry.
Good luck.
Dr. Ruth
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