From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2003-02-03 20:26:39 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Addisons Disease
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-Id: <20030203152639.6b0db259.whiteweasel@earthlink.net>
Hi,
>
> I've just had (earlier this week) my first Addison's diagnosis in a
> bilateral adrenal ferret (post surgery).
>
It's not unusual at all. We saw it with both of our bilateral babies.
If both adrenal glands are fully excised the adrenal products which
control electrolytes have to be replaced. If the dosages of meds are
wrong for the individual ferret you still get symptoms of surgically
induced Addison's disease. For both Pertwee and Romana it took our vet
a few adjustments to get their electrolytes in balance.
You can't miss Addison's in a ferret: they are lethargic, they shiver
because the can't control their body temperature, and they generally
don't want to eat.
>
> I've looked through the archives of the FHL and only found 2
> treatments - Florineff and Percoten. Both combined with daily or twice
> daily pred. Is this correct? Are these the only treatments? Is pred
> always necessary as well? What about the ulcers that are sometimes
> associated with pred usage for treating insulinoma??
>
Yes, the medications listed are correct, and they are needed for the
rest of the ferret's life. My Pertwee did not respond to prednisone at
all so dexamethasone was substituted. My understanding is that
dexamethasone is stronger than prednisone and that the chances for side
effec ts are greater, but we're at almost three years since surgery with
Pertwee and so far, knock wood, he's doing well. I'm not saying there
won't be side effects in time, but the alternative to giving the
medications is death, so we choose the lesser of two evils. In case it
makes any difference, Pertwee was a year and a half old when he had his
second adrenal surgery. He'll be five in July.
I hope this helps. The usual disclaimer applies: I am not a vet, just
a ferret owner who has been where you are now.
All the best,
Caity and the non-stop nine