From:
AFERRETVET@cs.com
Date: 2003-03-15 01:11:20 UTC
Subject: Re: Onion
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <169.1be9bdd6.2ba3d7b8@cs.com>
Hi Anna,
It is hard to tell from your question just what
the expected problem with surgery would be.
Do they think the glands are too big and too hard
to remove, or are they just worried about post-op
hormone replacement therapy for a ferret with no
adrenal glands? Treatment with pediapred and
percorten-v works well for ferrets with no glands.
However if they feel they can not remove the glands
do to location, attachment to vena cava/GI tract, etc
then monthly Lupron and melatonin can be used to
medically treat Onion's adrenal problem.
Unfortunately the "big glands" are usually carcinomas
and do not respond as well to medical treatment. Often
times higher doses of Lupron are needed (200-500 mcg/month).
Hope that helps,
Jerry Murray, DVM