From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2002-01-25 12:20:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] Surgery Adrenal/Insuloma
Hi, Cay,
I am not a vet, but lately I feel like I live in my vet's office. We
have adrenal and insulinoma in the business now, and have seen way too
much of both. The good news: all my ferts are still here, and they are
all between three and eight years old. (OK, one isn't doing well now,
but we still have hope.)
> My question is: If I do go for the
> surgery, can they take out the adrenal(s) and part of the pancreas at the
> same time?
If my vet were doing the surgery the answer would definitely be yes
provided your fert has improved enough to be a good surgical candidate.
> Would that be too much or might it improve his long term
> survival?
That is up to you and your vet to decide. A successful
adrenal/insulinoma surgery should improve both the length and quality of
his life provided he's strong enough to come through that surgery in the
first place. I know of people who's ferts have been through that at age
five and the little weasels bounced back beautifully. Whether your guy
can or not is really a judgement call your vet is going to have to make.
> I know if I'm going to do this I have to move while he's feeling
> better, but frankly I'm scared to death!
You're scared with good reason. Any major surgery involves risk, and
his age and multiple problems increase the risk. Doing the two together
is less risky than putting him through surgery twice, though, and is
definitely worth considering with the caveats I've already stated.
> Any ideas?
If you have a relaly good vet I'd trust her judgement. If she is really
good she won't mind you getting a second opinion and will probably
encourage you to do so. (My vet did when Pertwee was really sick.) If
you have a second good ferret vet in the area investing in another
opinion may make the decision easier for you.
All the best,
Caity