From:
AFERRETVET@cs.com
Date: 2004-05-27 20:39:02 UTC
Subject: Re: bilateral adrenectomy
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <157.363b0979.2de7abe6@cs.com>
Hi Rick,
I have to agree with you. If both adrenals are
completely removed (that usually means removing
part of the wall of the vena cava with the right gland)
then the ferret will need replacement hormone supplementation
(pediapred and percorten or pediapred and florinef).
However some ferrets also have accessory adrenal nodules
near the adrenal glands. If these are not removed then
they can produce enough of the adrenal hormones.
One study found accessory nodules in ~8% of the ferrets
they checked (these were healthy, non-adrenal ferrets).
Adrenal ferrets probably have a higher rate of accessory nodules.
I have found them in the fat pad near the left gland and even
on the right side of the vena cava across from the left gland.
I have found them most often distal to the right gland and
sometimes medial to the vena cava. So you really have to
check the fat pads and all around the adrenal glands for
the accessory nodules. Plus you have to take part of the
wall of the vena cava out to completely remove the right
gland most of the time!
Hope that helps,
Jerry Murray, DVM