From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2002-01-14 08:07:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] Possible adrenal or shed?
Hi, Jackie, and everyone else,
I am not a vet, but my experience may be of help to you...
My 3.5 year old silver mitt girl, Nyssa, went through a nearly one year
period where adrenal symptoms showed up, then seemed to disappear, then
showed up again. My vet decided to wait until the symptoms were clear
and persistent. The third cycle like this the symptoms stayed and
surgery was done. Sure enough, she had a large tumor in the left
adrenal gland. The big difference, though: she never lost as much of
her hair as your guy did.
Does he show any other symptoms? If so, I'd say your vet is probably
right to go ahead. If not, then... I don't know. I tend to trust my
vet a whole lot.
I do know that recovery from a second or a bilateral adrenal surgery can
be very rough, especially if the usual medication doesn't work to
balance electrolytes as planned. Ryo-Ohki (3.5 year old silver female)
is still far from fully recovered seven weeks after surgery, though she
is showing definite improvement. Based on my experience with her and
with Pertwee (bilateral at age 1.5) I would only do a second adrenal
surgery if my vet was sure that was the right answer.
I hope this helps you. I know that I don't know what the right answer
for your guy is.
Good luck!
All the best,
Caity