From:
katharine@nettally.com
Date: 2003-06-03 11:58:57 UTC
Subject: Pre-Op Testing
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <5110888.1054641537363.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
I picked up a little adrenal girl from the local animal shelter last week. Her name is Bessie. Of course, I don't have any history on her. I have no idea how long she has been showing symptoms (significant fur loss and a slightly swollen vulva). She is very active and playful, filled out, and doesn't appear to have much, if any, muscle loss. She tested negative on the ADV POCT. I'll be sending blood to United this week. Then we'll get her started on vaccinations.
Because of her unknown history, I'm wondering what tests would be recommended prior to surgery. The goal, of course, is to pin-point any potential problems in order to make an informed decision about surgery. I always get a CBC and chem panel done beforehand. What other tests would you recommend that might give us more insight. Ultrasound? X-rays?
The reason I'm a little gun shy about this is that I took in a similar little adrenal girl in November, named Rosie. She came from a private party and had been showing adrenal symptoms for at least 8-10 months. She didn't seem to be in quite as good physical condition as Bessie but her bloodwork looked pretty good. When Doc went in, she was a mess. There was a lot wrong with her. Both adrenal glands were affected, she had some tumors on her pancreas, there were cysts all over her liver, probably other stuff too (I can't remember for sure). He called to see whether he should proceed. We did proceed and she died that night. I think her little body just couldn't handle the surgery. That is the only sugery/death I have ever felt such guilt about. I think we should not have rushed into surgery and should have run some more tests, perhaps an ultrasound? I truly feel that she would still be alive today if we had opted for treatment other than surgery. Who knows.
At any rate, I am trying to prevent the same thing from happening again. Any and all recommendations are welcome.
Katharine