Message Number: SG5215 | New FHL Archives Search
From: katharine@nettally.com
Date: 2003-07-06 13:37:47 UTC
Subject: RE: Vaccinations/Licking Behavior
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <2203661.1057498667870.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>

Thanks, Mike. I thought the licking could be a symptom of adrenal but it seems to be just licking, not grooming, so I wasn't sure. Sounds plausible, though.

I always wait a couple of weeks before surgery after finishing the vaccinations, so should be OK there unless someone tells me differently. My vet has never advised against it.

And, speaking of adrenal, just had right adrenal surgery on a little girl who came from the local animal shelter about 5 weeks ago. The tumor was humongous! Doc did a vena cava ligation (his first) and had to take 2 lobes from her liver and her right kidney. She also had several visible tumors on her pancrease, which he removed. Her left adrenal looked a little "off" but he decided to leave it for now. We can go back in later if need be. Her prognosis was "cautiously optimistic" but she is recovering beautifully. She has reached the bratty, wants out of the cage in the middle of the night stage in just 3 days. I took her on my 2 mile walk this a.m. and she was very curious and alert (and squirmy). Doc took pictures of the tumor and we are awaiting the pathology results. I want to post the pictures when I get them to show what can occur when treatment is delayed.

Thanks for your input, Mike.

Katharine

Author wrote:
> Licking behavior is often seen in adrenal ferrets. I don't know for sure, but I think vaccinating shouldn't be a problem as long as his immune system is allowed to get back to normal before surgery. Just a guess but vaccinations should probably be at least a couple weeks before surgery.