From:
sukiec@optonline.net
Date: 2005-04-20 16:47:52 UTC
Subject: RE: Need of help - Brasil - Ferret Sick
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <7298720.1114015672211.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
> History: This ferret was donated seven months ago and presented a small bald >patch between the lower back and the tail... but it was not possible to collect >enough blood for the cortisol exam that would be sent to Cornell University.
When ferrets have adrenal problems they do not get Cushings Disease so that would have been the wrong test to do.
Fur loss on both sides over the sacrum forward of the tail is virtually always adrenal disease so testing for it may not be the best place to put the money, anyway. If testing is wanted then the test to do is the Tennessee Panel which checks the levels of a range of hormones. Those are what get thrown off in adrenal disease in ferrets.
If there is adrenal disease then the options are surgery (which is usually the best option) or if there are reasons to not do surgery Lupron or Suprelorin are used in conjunciton with melatonin.
Here are some good write-ups for your friend to translate for you and your vet and there is more in the FHL Achives at http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org:
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/adrenal.htm
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/melatonin.htm
http://www.afip.org/ferrets/aae.html
http://www.afip.org/ferrets/index.html is always a good site for vets to know.
I have just found that I have to leave immediately. I will look at therest of you post later. Sorry.
One last thing:
Here is the Tenneessee Panel info:
http://www.vet.utk.edu/diagnostic/endocrinology/
I know a Portugese-American veterinarian who is very good with this problem. Does your vet have internet access? We might be able to get them communicating directly if they both have time and are around right now.