From:
"Karen Purcell, DVM"
Date: 2002-08-22 01:37:27 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] bi-Lateral adrenal post op--question
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
CC: Quarrius@aol.com
Message-Id: <200208220530.BAA17049@TheWorld.com>
Meagan,
You wrote:
> Keera is my 7 year old female. She has had 3 surgeries (Dr. Weiss) but has
> never had a problme recovering or any post op symptoms that caused me to
> worry but tonight is a different story.
> Any advice or ideas would be appreciated since I am going to a local vet that
> knows little about ferrets.
>
> Her more recent surgery removed the remainder of her right adrenal
> (cryosurgery--biopsy came back benign)., It had grown into her liver so he
> did a liver lobectomy also. Due to something Dr. Weiss saw in bloodwork, he
> had a catheter in her hip to inject nutrients directly . Post of she was on
> pediapred 0.3ml (once a day by mouth) for 3 weeks, then we just decreased it
> to .3ml every other day long term.
>
> Surgery was one month ago and went well. She didn't bounce back as quick but
> she had a lot more down to her and she is 7 years old (even thought it was
> laser surgery).
> Now I am terrified. She is lethargic. I have been noticing her being "blah"
> but blamed it on the extremely humid hot wearther we have recently had in NY
> and thought she was just a bit bored b/c she couldn't go outside.
> Tonight is a different story, I am watching her walk 3-4 feet then her lower
> extremeties kinda flop to the side. So far not one side is favored over the
> other. she is just laying around looking old and tired.
> I don't know what there is to do or what it might be.
>
> do ferrets with bi-lateral adrenal have problems like this? or is this a
> whole new problem? Her surgery (1 month ago) found her in good health
> otherwise and Dr. W. said he looked over everything for other problems.
> this flopping and blah attitude are scaring me. I am going to try and push up
> her appt for blood work till tomorrow but I am not sure if the local vet will
> let me.
>
Yes, she could be Addisonian. This can kill, quickly. I suggest
you get her electrolytes checked ASAP and an injection of percortin
if they are out of whack. Fluids will help, too.
-Dr. Karen
drkaren@theworld.com
Everett, MA
DISCLAIMER:
This e-mail is provided for general informational purposes only. It is in
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should seek the advice of your regular veterinarian as soon as possible.