From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2002-04-16 18:59:00 UTC
Subject: Final follow up on adrenal surgery for an older ferret
Hi, everyone,
If you remember, my 7.5 (or so) year old ferret, Podo, had adrenal
surgery last Wednesday. Some people had expressed concern about adrenal
surgery on a seven year old, and one vet's receptionist had advised
against any treatment at all. (I guess that's why she's a receptionist,
not a vet). Anyway, a large right adrenal tumor was found and the right
adrenal gland was removed. My vet ligated the vena cava to get the
whole gland.
Podo has pretty much recovered from his surgery in record time. He's
already regrowing his hair, both where it was shaved for surgery and
where he lost it due to adrenal disease. He doesn't understand why we
restrict his activities. He feels fine. Still, sutures don't come out
until Monday, so we have to be a bit careful with him. Not bad for an
old guy, is it?
This is why I like my vet so very much. A geriatric ferret goes through
what should be a difficult and dangerous procedure. Many vets won't
even consider it at Podo's age. A day after surgery Podo wanted to
play. There was very little visible bruising at the incision site and
it was gone two days after surgery. Now, almost a week later, Podo ran
around and played for two hours tonight.
Anyway, everything looks great right now, and I certainly wouldn't
question adrenal surgery on a seven year old who has no other health
problems with a vet as talented as mine is.
All the best,
Caity and the notorious nine