From:
Lynn McIntosh
Date: 2002-04-06 10:30:00 UTC
Subject: Unclear daignosis
> From: "miamiferret" <mjanke@m...>
> Subject: Re: Unclear diagnosis
>
> Still, in most cases, I would tend to think adrenal problems when
> there's difficulty urinating in a male ferret. They don't all show hair
> loss. Get a definite diagnosis on the Lymphoma. Even then, I don't
> know if I'd rule out adrenal disease.
> --- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "ahinton" <ahinton@s...> wrote:
> > Could the straining to urinate be a symptom of lymphoma? There is
> often urine in the litterbox, but sometimes he'll spend a half a
> minute straining and not much comes out. There has been no agression or
> hair loss
Hi. Just wanted to send a message backing up Michael's statements. Ferrets
can have multiple things going on; how many times have I found that out?
Hopefully it isn't lymphoma but sure best to get a definite diagnosis there.
Regarding adrenal ferrets without hair loss, I currently have one. Lucy has the
most beautiful coat of red-tinted fur! Though she has had rat tail, her tail is
currently luscious. One check of estradial level and one full Adrenal
Tennessee panel have confirmed adrenal disease, with some pretty high
readings. Her vulva looks fine; blood panel was good (some slight elevations
that could relate to adrenal disease); and energy is great. Vet may be able to
palpate something on the right side. At least one human study (sorry no
reference) has indicated, and our vet thinks, that the relationships of hormones
could be important, not just that one or all is elevated; i.e., the balance may be
working for her.
Of course, we will do exploratory surgery with Lucy, but aren't in as big a
hurry as we would be in other circumstances. In the case of urinary problems
in males with adrenal disease we always take immediate action, either lupron or
surgery (or both); we have lost one that blocked, though he had had adrenal
surgery- long ago story. We have also had one who didn't have apparent
straining, but blocked; we got him going by putting him in warm water and
massaging his abdomen downward, but lined up surgery as soon as possible.
For Lucy we are also monitoring low blood sugar, but without symptoms, and
will have surgery done at some point soon by a vet who can handle right
adrenal surgeries (including vena cava ligation should that become necessary)
and is prepared to do a partial pancreatectomy should that be deemed best.
Lucy is an unusual case for us and I have been meaning to write about her. At
about six years old she appears a healthy, bouncy, furry gal with juvenile
cataracts her only problem! Thanks to some of the great resources, lists, and
vets that are available we know otherwise and can give her the care she needs.
There has sure been a lot of progress since our first case that was lost to a
blockage after adrenal sugery; our sweet Percy whom I shall never forget.
Lynn McIntosh <faiml@u...>