From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2002-01-30 05:22:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] Early Adrenal, to operate or not
On Tue, 2002-01-29 at 21:58, Sirron wrote:
> I have an healthy 8 year old neutered male ferret, who has
> be diagnosis with early stage of adrenal.
> At his age should I operate or not?
Hi, Ronald,
My vet had successfully done adrenal surgery on eight year olds.
Whether you should consider it or not depends on whether or not your
ferret is otherwise healthy and strong and can still be a good surgical
candidate. If there is some doubt about that then, considering his age,
I'd opt for lupron to mask the symptoms rather than surgery.
If he is strong enough and your vet thinks he'll pull through OK I'd go
ahead. We've had ferrets live to 11 for people in our local ferret
club, and I personally know someone who had two make it all the way to
13. As the disease progresses your guy may be subject to serious
medical problems that are caused by adrenal disease (i.e.: prostate
problems). If he is a "young eight" (as my vet would say) then surgery
may still make a lot of sense and may extend his life and offer him the
best quality of life.
Eight is old for a ferret and there are always risks involved in
surgery. It's a tough decision. I know that I trust my vet and I go
with his advice. I hope you can do the same.
Good luck!
Caity and the terrific 10