From:
caitlynmaire@earthlink.net
Date: 2002-06-09 13:13:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Right and Left Adrenal Surgery Done
On Sat, 8 Jun 2002 23:48:25 -0400
Sukie Crandall <sukiecrandall@t...> wrote:
> >For those that have done the total removal of the right adrenal
> >gland, is there anything that I should know or do to aid in her
> >recovery?
>
> Your vet needs to be monitoring for lack of adrenal products and the
> possible Addison crash that can result from that. The ferret may
> need replacement meds such as Florinef and Prednisone. Every once in
> a while we all hear of a little one not making it because the vets
> didn't have meds handy, or hadn't begun them.
Sukie hit the nail on the head here provided the ferret has now had both
should be an absolutely normal recovery and no meds (besides an
antibiotic, usually amoxicillin, during the recovery period) should be
needed.
If, OTOH, both glands are out, our vet starts the ferret on a median
dosage of Florinef and Prednisone, adjusted for body weight. He checks
electrolytes regularly and adjusts the dosage to get to normal values.
If the ferret shows signs of Addison's Disease (i.e.: lethargy, tremors,
loss of appetite) he/she needs to get to a vet (or emergency clinic if
it's off hours) ASAP to have electrolytes checked immediately. As Sukie
points out, an Addisonian Crisis can be fatal quite quickly.
The good news: once the proper dosage of meds is established the ferret
should be fine. Pertwee has been bilateral for over two years and he's
as energetic and insane as ever. Keep in regular contact with your vet
until you ferret's electrolytes are in balance.
All the best,
Caity