From:
kamccabe@optonline.net
Date: 2003-01-15 19:58:11 UTC
Subject: Ferrets With Symptoms Persisting After Adrenal Surgery
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <419552.1042660691288.JavaMail.root@scandium>
I currently have 10 Ferrets, 5 Male 5 Female. Since this past November, 5 (4 Male, 1 Female) have had Adrenal surgeries. All but one are still showing symptoms. Can any of the good doctors here tell me if this is normal? Do they just need more time or should I be concerned and looking into additional/alternative treatments?
Their info....
Devlin
Came to me July 27, 2002
Estimated Age: 3 to 4 Years
Symptoms: Sexual Behavior/Aggression
Diagnoses confirmed via U. of Tenn. Adrenal Panel - All levels were elevated
Surgery done Nov. 13th, 2002
Left Gland Completely Removed; Biopsy Benign
The sexual behavior/aggression seemed to ease for a short period following surgery though never completely ceased. Within the past few weeks the sexual behavior/aggression has been getting progressively worse again. Devlins "main target" is Duey, though he does go after the others (both Male and Female) on occasion as well. Devlin has also put on a good amount of weight (2 lbs 10.5 ounces before surgery, 3 lbs 5 ounces now) and is less playful than before (though he does still play).
Benny
Came to me June 1, 2002
Estimated Age: 3 Years
Symptoms: Sexual Behavior/Aggression, strong "male" odor around head/neck area
No testing was done, went right to surgery
Surgery done Nov. 19th, 2002
Left Gland Completely Removed; Biopsy Benign
Like Devlin, the sexual aggression seemed to ease for a short period following surgery though never completely ceased and within the past few weeks has been getting progressively worse. Like Devlin, Benny's "main target" is Duey, though he does go after the others (both Male and Female) on occasion as well. Benny seems quite well otherwise. He is extremely active and playful.
Big
Came to me July 27, 2002
Estimated Age: 3 to 4 Years
Symptoms: Mild Aggression (not sexual)
Diagnoses confirmed via U. of Tenn. Adrenal Panel - All levels were elevated
Surgery done on Nov. 25th, 2002
Left Gland Completely Removed; Biopsy Benign
Symptoms seem to have cleared (he is no longer aggressive)
Duey
Came to me June 1, 2002
Estimated Age: 3 Years
Symptoms: When Duey came to me he had thinning hair on the tail with a quarter sized bald spot on his rear just above the tail. Within 2 to 3 weeks the hair grew back and he had a full beautiful coat. I had him tested (Adrenal Panel) because he was the "favorite target" for Devlin and Benny's sexual aggression and was lethargic.
Diagnoses confirmed via U. of Tenn. Adrenal Panel - All levels were elevated, Estrogen was extremely high
Surgery done Dec. 10, 2002
Right Gland 95% Removed; Biopsy Benign
Following surgery Duey became very alert and playful and seemed to be doing well until recently. Within the past few weeks Duey has dropped a good amount of weight (3 lbs 1 ounce before surgery. 2 lbs 5.5 ounces now) and is very lethargic. His appetite is good but he is not interested in playing or any type of activity (he prefers to sleep).
Sadie Mae
Came to me July 30, 2001
Estimated Age: 5 to 6 Years
Symptoms: Severe itching, excessive grooming (of herself and others) and the beginnings of hair loss (small patch on rear above tail)
Diagnoses confirmed via U. of Tenn. Adrenal Panel - All levels were elevated, Testosterone was extremely high
Surgery done on Jan. 7, 2003
Left Gland Completely Removed; Biopsy Results Not Yet Known
Still showing symptoms (though it's only been one week).
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!