From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2005-08-16 20:30:25 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] ferret health and weird habit
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <20050816203025.73081.qmail@web30604.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Hi,
> My ferret is 7 years old and has insulnoma and
> adernal disease. Shes been getting predisone for
> over 2 years.
That covers the insulinoma. What are you doing to
treat the adrenal disease?
> SHe looks horrible - the fur she does have is course
> and thin.
That is a side effect of prednisone.
> She has lost all muscle mass.
That is untreated adrenal disease.
> SHe also
> has a large mass tumor on her leg that the vet said
> couldnt be taken off due to her age.
Nonsense. She may not be a surgical candidate for any
number of reasons but age alone isn't one of them.
I've had older ferrets than that have surgery and do
fine. Have you sought a second opinion?
> YET she has more energy now than shes had in the
> last 2 years. here was a time when she only woke
> up to eat. Im just curious why this is.
Hyperactivity can be a symptom of adrenal disease. If
her blood sugar was low and she's now adapted to it
her activity level would also increase. When was the
last time her glucose was checked? What was it?
> Also the last few months she started nipping at me -
> like shes bitting me with her front teeth very
> rapidly. It doesnt hurt - its almost like shes
> "cleaning" me or something to that affect - because
> she does it to herself too. Anyone know what shes
> doing?
Another symptom of untreated adrenal disease. This
needs to be addressed, preferably with surgery but
with lupron and/or melatonin if that isn't possible.
Have you discussed adrenal treaments with your vet?
I'd definitely go for a second opinion in your
situation.
FWIW, I have a ferret who is a few weeks short of
seven going for surgery on Thursday.
All the best,
Caity and the fantastic five
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