From:
Diane C. Wall
Date: 2002-06-21 09:10:00 UTC
Subject: Continuing Adrenal Problems After Second Surgery - Need
Advise
I have posted about my Bandit Boy on the list in the past and
his adrenal behavior has coming back as well as obvious
adrenal tumor symptoms after his second surgery in the past
five months. The question is now what do I do? (Melatonin
has not worked for him in the past). He has only a quarter to
a half adrenal gland remaining to help him function and the
tumor has grown back.
Do I have the rest of his remaining gland removed (so he would
have none left)? This would be his third surgery in five
months or do I treat the symptoms with Lupron?
What other options or suggestions does anyone have? (Dr.
Murray, Dr. Purcell, Dr. Williams and any other vets do you
have a suggestion?) All responses from everyone are
appreciated!
Details: Male, Brown Sable, appears to have Marshalls tattoo
on his ear, Not sure on his age but we have estimated 4-5
years, usually weighs about 2.5 lbs now and eating Marshalls
Food, with Warm water, a squirt of Ferretone & a half inch of
Ferretvite each morning and regular dry kibble mix of
Marshalls, Totally Ferret, and Iams Kitten Food during the
day.
Weve been watching symptoms for about 1 year. He was itchy
and had a balding spot on his head between his ears and
thinning fur between his shoulder blades (not the usual hind
quarter and tail baldness, so we werent sure for awhile).
Over the winter months, I noticed his winter coat wasnt
coming in like my five others, the fur on his feet was
extremely thin and he started doing the mounting and ear
sucking biting of one of my females (everyone is
neutered/spayed & desented from birth).
He started really being miserable, extremely itchy, chasing
even the males for ear sucking.
1st Surgery: He has his first adrenal of the easier side
(removing the gland completely with the tumor surgically) on
February 3rd, 2002. The vet who did the surgery said his
spleen was a bit enlarged, that the adrenal was on the
operable side and that he should fully recover. He seemed a
bit better after the surgery. Then his symptoms returned and
his fur from balding and surgery never grew back. I brought
him back for follow ups three times and was told to wait.
2nd Surgery: After three months, I brought him to another vet
for a second opinion. He was miserable with adrenal symptoms
and although we tried the melatonin it didnt ease his
symptoms. After weight the pros and cons and getting very
helpful advice from people of the digest he had his second
adrenal surgery on May 6th. This time we did an exploratory
and the vet found a 2 centimeter adrenal tumor near and under
his liver. The vet did cryo surgery to remove the tumor and
half of the gland so he would still have something to function
with. She said that the fur may not grow back, I didnt care.
I was happy that he came out of surgery well and he thrived
extremely well since that time. After a few weeks, I saw fur
growing back on his head and shoulders and he gained back a
quarter of a pound. Seemed very happy and playful.
Presently: Well its June and he has lost all of the hair
(down to the dry skin) on his hind quarters, is itchy,
miserable, and mounting and ear sucking everyone he can catch.
He is running around again like he is looking for the right
spot before he pees. He is very healthy other than the
adrenal symptoms, eats well and has good poops.
So now what should I do? Do I have the rest of his remaining
gland removed (so he would have none left)? This would be his
third surgery in five months or do I treat the symptoms with
Lupron?
What other options or suggestions does anyone have? (Dr.
Murray, Dr. Purcell, Dr. Williams and any other vets do you
have a suggestion?) All responses from everyone are
appreciated!
Diane Wall
Ferret Mom of Six & Massachusetts Ferret Friends Member
Holbrook, Massachusetts