From:
fmd409
Date: 2002-06-09 15:38:00 UTC
Subject: post adrenalectomy UTI vet's opinons requested
Have an older (rescue) male ferret, 6-7 yrs.old. Completely bald, so
had had untreated tumors for extended (unknown) period of time prior
to rescue. Had bilateral adrenolectomy 4 weeks ago. Rx: .25
Dexamethasone twice daily, for 1 week, reduced to .25 for 1 week,
second week and .50 Florinef twice daily for 3 weeks, reduced to .50
Florinef for two additional weeks, observe subsequent behavior for
possible need to continue Florinef thereafter.
Had UTI when surrendered three months ago, which was treated before
adrenal surgery considerations.
Now, at 4 weeks following surgery, 2 weeks since discontinuation of
Dexamethasone, UTI has returned. Expressed bladder content was
opaque with pus, though it was fairly "flowable". Ferret is able to
urinate without assistance.
Have begun Baytril(injectable) at 0.3ml (2 lbs. 5 oz. ferret weight)
twice daily (dosage currently being administered to another shelter
ferret 2 lb. 7 oz. with UTI at vet's Rx), will contact vet ASAP when
office opens Monday morning.
Ferret is otherwise doing well, was bouncing 2 days post surgery to
the extent that he had to be restricted from usual play time.
Appetite is good.
Question (simply for sake of other opinions), is this unusual
considering Dexamethasone was given for two weeks or did the Dex
merely restrain inflamation of surgical procedure rather than
restrict infection? Is it likely that UTI was returning and
undiagnosed at time of surgery (complete bloodwork was done, so if
it was present then, it would have shown up there, wouldn't it?) Or
did the Dex possibly reduce infection fighting capabilities of
immune system?
Should we, in light of previous UTI have had him on Amoxi post
surgery, as well? (Don't think previous UTI was mentioned to surgery
vet before surgery.)
Urgent rely not necessary as case vet will be consulted Monday
morning.