Message Number: YG12613 | New FHL Archives Search
From: Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2002-04-19 09:56:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Vet's disapproval of Cryo / adrenal gland

Hi, Nicole,
>
> After seeing and reading the numerous posts and info regarding
> cryosurgery of the adrenal gland, I decided to contact our local vet
> and speak with their surgical specialist.
>
> Much to my dismay, she was shocked that anyone had even considered
> this, given the adrenal gland's close proximity to major vessels, and
> cited surrounding tissue damage as her main concern. She even asked
> if I was aware that cryosurgery involved freezing the tissue and
> causing necrosis - (of course).

My vet would agree with her. If cryo isn't done absolutely correctly
he's aware of cases where the vena cava then ruptured subsequent to
right adrenal cryo surgery. He doesn't (and won't) do cryo, and has an
incredibly high success rate. My Podo, who is 7.5 years old, had a
large right adrenal tumor, and my vet did *conventional* surgery,
including ligating the vena cava, to remove it. Podo is doing
brilliantly and all adrenal symptoms have disappeared. He's growing hair
back and gaining weight.

My vet has told me before that he doesn't think cryo is a bad procedure,
but he is completely unconvinced that it's a better procedure. I think
a good veterinary surgeon has to go with whatever he or she is most
comfortable with. I've heard of both good and bad with traditional,
cryo, and laser surgeries.

All the best,
Caity