From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2005-04-14 02:03:18 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] RE: Swollen vulva? Please help!
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <25039388.1113446352083.JavaMail.nobody@strontium.smartgroups.com>
Hi, Keldah, and everyone else,
I agree that the most likely cause is an adrenal
tumor. Where I've lived $300-$450 is typical for a
left adrenalectomy. If it's a right (something not
all vets can do) it goes up by as much as $200. If
it's both it can be a whole lot more. The good news
is that most statistics I've seen put the chances at
80% left, 15% right, 5% bilateral.
When I moved to the Cincinnati area I was actually in
northern Kentucky and received recommendations for
vets in the Lexington and Louisville areas so I know
there are ferret vets there. I have an excellent one
who could do the surgery but he's in Ohio (just
outside of Cincinnati) which is a very long way for
you.
Of the 13 ferrets I've had there were eight who had
adrenal disease in their lifetime. Two of the eight
had two surgeries as the disease recurred later in
life. The good news is that all came through their
surgeries well. A strong four year old in the hands
of a skilled ferret surgeon should have an outstanding
chance of having a nice, full normal life. Our ferret
Podo had his right adrenal out (much more difficult
surgery than left) with vena cava ligation when he was
seven and a half. He lived to be right around 10.
So, yes this could be expensive, and yes, you'll be
very worried about your little girl. With any luck at
all she'll be right as rain soon.
All the best,
Caity and the fantastic five, three of whom have one
adrenal gland missing.