Message Number: SG9714 | New FHL Archives Search
From: "Liz Tveite"
Date: 2004-07-27 21:55:18 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Adrenal Disease
To: <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
Message-ID: <18871350.1090972010563.JavaMail.nobody@chromium.smartgroups.com>

Hi Jen,
I've been through 7 adrenal surgeries in the last few years. Here is what
has worked well with me.

I wait for them in the lobby of my vet's clinic while he's doing surgery.
As soon as they are finished, he brings them to me to wake up a little in my
lap. They go in and out of sleep for quite awhile. I wait usually about an
hour to see that things are looking good, then we go home.

I have the space all ready to go. We use a plexglass playpen made just for
ferrets (Kritter Koncepts, WI). I place it in the middle of my kitchen so I
can keep close tabs on her. I have of sheets, blankets, sleepsacks, a tent,
etc. Use newspaper in one corner so she doesn't have to climb into a litter
box. Place food and water for when she feels ready to eat.

The first day is pretty much alot of sleeping. When she is alert I will
bring her cage mate to visit. If the cage mate is gentle and will just
sleep with her, I will leave them together. It's very comforting to them.

My vet uses the invisible (not glue) stitches that disolve in a couple of
weeks, so I have never had to deal with stitches being taken out. And they
have never broken open. And very little bleeding, if any at all.

I offer her Chicken Gravy (mine all get some every day, just for this case).
No one passes on the Chicken Gravy.

With all 7 of mine, this has worked great. I have never had any
complications (knock on wood) after surgery.

Just keep her quiet and warm. Give her lots of attention. Let her be with
her cagemate, if possible. Day 3 seems to be the magic day when they spring
to life. But keep them confined until the stitches are healed or out.

Good Luck,
Liz