Message Number: YG12777 | New FHL Archives Search
From: Jennifer Drueen
Date: 2002-04-27 18:03:00 UTC
Subject: A Second Adrenal Tumor?

Can a ferret have an adrenal tumor of the right gland when one has
already been removed from the left?

About 8 months ago, Scout (jill, 7 yrs) had a left adrenal gland/tumor
removed. The vet also found insulinoma. Last month, Scout received her
annual shots and a blood-glucose test showed that her level was normal.
However, the hair between her front limbs that Scout lost prior to her
adrendal surgery never returned. In fact, now she has very thinned hair
all the way back to her hind limbs. Over the last month, I have also
noticed that she's lost a lot of muscle tone.

I appreciate the fact that Scout is getting old and may just be showing
her age and wear. However, I am concerned that the hair lost and muscle
atrophy could mean that she now has an adrenal tumor on her right gland.
I am sure that something is affecting her health as she is demonstrating
the same clinging behavior (i.e., wanting to be held for long periods of
time) she's shown when she's been ill previously. Could this be?

- Jennifer (Kona, Scout, and Baxter)
Alexandria, VA