Message Number: YG14336 | New FHL Archives Search
From: caitlynmaire@earthlink.net
Date: 2002-06-30 12:56:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Adrenal surgery - how long is the usual recovery
period?

Hi, Allison,

> I´m hoping that some people who have been through this loads of times
> before, can help. My ferret who´s about 6 years old underwent
> bilateral adrenal surgery + insulinoma surgery yesterday. How long
> before she´s more herself? She won´t eat self, but will eat a/d from a
> syringe. She can walk, but is very weak. She just sleeps alot. What
> can I expect?

That is a very difficult surgery she went through. I wouldn't expect
her to be herself for quite a few days yet. What you should see is
slow, steady improvement.

Is she on some sort of replacement therapy for the adrenal products that
are now gone? Usually that's florinef and prednisone -or- florinef and
dexamethasone. Without those she will likely begin showing signs of
Addison's Disease fairly quickly unless part of the right adrenal was
left in. Also, if her dosage isn't right she may show Addisionian
symptoms anyway. Is your vet planning on checking electrolytes around
three days after surgery? This is really important.

If she does show symptoms of Addison's Disease you will know she is
going downhill. The lethargy/inactivity and lack of appetite will
continue or worsen. If you don't see improvement each and every day, or
if something seems really wrong, get her to the vet (or emergency
clinic) ASAP and have her electrolytes checked and medication adjusted.
If this isn't done she could go into Addisonian Crisis. You need to
have arrangements made just in case for care at any hour of any day or
night.

Our vet has only had a couple of ferrets ever go into a full blown
Addisonian Crisis. Pertwee, unfortunately, was the first one. He
literally collapsed and was limp like a wet dish rag. Without immediate
treatment he would have died, and he almost didn't make it anyway.
Thankfully we have a great ferret vet at the emergency clinic in our
area, and he saved Pertwee's life. If she collapses (and it is very
unlikely if you watch for problems all along) she will need care
immediately even if it's 2 AM.

> She´s improved
> from yesterday, there´s more life in her.

That's a good sign.

> What will happen if she´s one of those that doesn´t make it?

That's a question I, thankfully, never had to face. Once Pertwee was on
medication dosages that worked for him, and once we took care of his
other medical problem (a diseased kidney), he rallied very quickly.
Even Ryo-Ohki, who died due to metastatic tumors later, improved
markedly as her electrolytes came into a normal balance. If you watch
your ferret for signs of Addison's Disease, and treat promptly if they
show up, she should recover.

> When do complications usually set in?

Within a few days.

> What is
> best to feed her, and how often

Our vet recommends Bob Church's Chicken Gravy. We feed it three to four
times a day for a recovering ferret, and more frequently if the little
weasel doesn't eat well by themselves. We also have the regular kibble
available in their cage. When they start eating kibble again you know
things are better.

Bob Church's Chicken Gravy recipe is at:
http://www.trifl.org/gravy.html

I use Pam Sessoms' pressure cooker method, which is by far the easiest
way to make the gravy.

> Is it best
> to give her peace and quiet, even though I´m so worried, or does she
> need checking often?

Checking her often doesn't have to mean disturbing her. Yes, check
often that she isn't in any distress. She needs her rest, so don't wake
her unless it's feeding time or if you're afraid that she isn't just
sleeping comfortably. Show her lots of love when you do wake her, of
course. Make sure she is pooping and peeing normally and that she's
drinking enough water. If anything seems wrong to you, get her to the
vet ASAP.

We've only had the two bilaterals, thankfully, and both were incredibly
difficult recoveries. Both had other health problems that weren't
apparent at the time of surgery, though, so my experience may be worse
than most. I know the recovery cage went into my bedroom, and I heard
every move the ferrets made. I was that worried. One thing I'm certain
of: electrolytes significantly out of balance is a *very* bad thing and
needs to be corrected quickly.

Your little girl has a few rough days ahead. Keep an eye on her and
don't be afraid to be a frequent visitor at the vet office if necessary.
With any luck and good care she should be fine in time. Just don't
ignore anything worrisome right now. An Addisonian Crisis is about the
scariest thing you will ever see, and I hope you never see one.

The good news: Pertwee is still here over two years later, and he is
still my wildest and craziest wired weasel.

All the best,
Caity and the notorious nine