From:
Diane C. Wall
Date: 2002-05-03 10:16:00 UTC
Subject: Update on Bandit Post Adrenal Poster Boy
I am sitting in my office underwriting mortgages with a
little Bandit-Boy snoozing in his bed/hammock ( I have a very
understanding boss).
(Details: Sable Neutered Male aprox 4 years old, 2.75+ pounds,
classic adrenal symptoms).
Some of you may remember me posting previously about him
asking for pre-surgery and post-surgery tips.
He had adrenal surgery February 3rd and the vet removed the
left side.
He recovered quite well, however, he has still has not
re-grown any fur on his stomach where they had shaved him for
surgery, (its been three months) and continues to lose fur
between his shoulders (he is bald now to the skin) and between
his ears.
He eats well, and has normal litter box activity. He runs
around a bit before urinating, but does not appear to be
straining.
As well he is still exhibiting the aggressiveness and mating
behaviors even though he is a neutered male. The vet calls
the his Cave Man behavior. He chases the three females
around but the two girls of about a pound each are hard to
catch, so his girlfriend (not her choice) is Brownie a three
plus pound female black sable.
I received many helpful responses suggesting everything from
waiting to the next season, melatonin, and lupron to the
inevitable second surgery.
We tried the melatonin for the past month and it doesnt seem
to be lessening his symptoms, so he has gone back for two
re-examinations without a specific re-diagnosis. I have
brought him for a second opinion at another experience ferret
vet, obtained his records & surgery notes from the first vet
and an additional phone consultation with a ferret specialist
at Angel Memorial in Boston. As mysterious as these little
creatures are no one can figure out whats going on with him.
Rather than doing all of the more expensive tests (Tennessee
panel, blood fast, ultra sound) I am thinking of just having
another surgery done to remove all doubt about whether some
left over tissue remains on the left side or whether the right
adrenal is kicking in as well.
I would welcome any additional tips for a handsome adrenal boy
and what I should do to help him recover from a second
surgery.
This vet does the cryo surgery and keeps them in an incubator
after surgery with overnight care as well.
Sometimes we cannot heal our little fuzzies, but it helps to
know there are others out there who care for them and share
helpful information!
Thank you from Diane & The Six Little Ferrets
Holbrook, Massachusetts