From:
Steve Austin
Date: 2003-05-02 05:12:15 UTC
Subject: Bi-lateral adrenal removal
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <20030502.012430.3884.4.kazpat1@juno.com>
Get some baseline electrolytes, sometimes Addison's is tough to
control. For example, the DOCP shot may need to be given
early, on one of my boys he needed a slightly higher dose every
23 days, he crashed at 25 days. Not every ferret is the same, by
monitoring the potassium and sodium ratios by doing blood
test for electrolytes, you can see how the ferret is doing.
IF these levels are normal, then it may not be Addison's, and other
things need to be addressed. A glucose level will also help,
also included in a standard electrolyte panel.
The prednisone dose is hard to comment on, no reason to taper
if Addison's is suspected, he may need this plus the DOCP shots (or
florinef by mouth) for life. However, as far as doses, it may be
low, without the amount of mg you are giving each time, it is hard to
say.
Do not wait for that test, if truly Addison's he is barely holding
on, and will need SQ fluids and more support until the dose of DOCP
and steroids can be adjusted. BTW, if the shot was just given, it does
take
a few days to work, maybe 2-3 days you should see improvement,
in the meantime, if he crashes, and is looking more lethargic, get
fluids into him, probably SQ at the vets.
You know him best, so use your judgement. I have seen one crash
from Addison's and the first sign was loose stools and then lethargy.
Then he had some grinding and black tarry stools, so after DOCP, and
steroid shot and fluids, I treated with carafate and bland
diet while he was recovering from his crash,
it took a whole week before he was back to normal, I learned my lesson.
So I tend to be cautious with bilateral adrenals.
Patty
.
>
> Can anyone give me some suggestions to help this guy along? (The
> vet just called and she would like for me to up the pred to .2cc 2x
> daily for 2 weeks. If I don't see any improvement by next week we
> will be doing some blood work on him.) In the meantime is there any
> thing I can supplement him with that may help his leftover hormones
> give him some energy and get him back to "normal"?
>
> Thanks for any suggestions.
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