Message Number: SG5674 | New FHL Archives SearchFrom: Caitlyn Martin
Date: Tue, 5 Aug 2003 21:35:20 -0400
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Hair loss / Adrenal
Message-Id: <20030805213520.0059c953.whiteweasel@earthlink.net>
On Tue, 5 Aug 2003 13:27:46 -0700 (PDT)
Trish Black <tblack_7_2000@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Just very slight thinning. I took him
> home and this last week I noticed that his tail hair is getting thin
> too. I've read enough to know these signs point to adrenal disease.
They can do. That is probably the most likely, but by no means the only
possible explanation.
> Pippin also has been lethargic and his eyes look tired, not bright and
> shiny like they're supposed to.
IME, adrenal ferrets tend to be wired, aggresive, and hyper, not
lethargic, unless something else was going on as well.
>
> The vet suggested we do a blood panel to see if it can be diagnosed.
This makes sense.
> My question is - will I have to do a blood panel, then exploratory
> surgery, then the actual removal of the gland?
If a ferret has clear adrenal symptoms our vet does "exploratory"
surgery. If he finds an enlarged adrenal gland, meaning there is a
tumor in there, he removes it right then and there. You are looking at
one surgery, not two.
The usual disclaimer applies: I am not a vet, just a ferret owner who
has paid for eight adrenal surgeries so far.
All the best,
Caity and the non-stop nine
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