From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2002-01-31 08:07:00 UTC
Subject: Metastasis of adrenal carcinomas
Hi, everyone,
As some of you know, Ryo-Ohki had a second (right) adrenal surgery in
late November, and the tumor turned out to be a carcinoma. Even once
her electrolytes were in balance Ryo-Ohki continued to go downhill.
Today our vet did an exploratory surgery to make one last desperate
attempt to save her. What he found was that the cancer had spread to
her lymph nodes, kidneys, and liver. This was despite an ultrasound
that showed nothing just a week ago. There was no way to save her and
she had been in obvious pain, so we decided that she shouldn't wake up
from the surgery. Ryo-Ohki was just three and a half years old and
would have been four in May.
I have always been told that metastasis of adrenal carcinomas is quite
rare, yet my vet had mentioned that he has seen it in several ferrets.
I remember posts a while back (and on FML before there was an FHL) about
the increased incidence of adrenal disease and also the dramatically
increased incidence of adrenal in very young ferrets. I now wonder if
there is any evidence of an increase in metastasis (and subsequent
deaths) from adrenal disease. If so, and if a link to early neutering
can be proven, this would make a powerful case for ending the practice.
Right now I really hurt and I guess I want to do anything I can to
prevent more young and beloved ferrets from dying an early, painful
death. I'd love to hear comments from the vets especially.
Regards,
Caity and the sorrowful nine