From:
sukiec@optonline.net
Date: 2005-10-12 16:12:02 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] RE: Adrenal Removal One Gland or Two?
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
With one except we have never had healthy adrenals removed -- only individual bad adrenals. (The one exception had bilateral hydronephrosis and multiple urinary tract problems so the removal happened for two reasons: in case they might at some point play a part and worsen an already very compromised individual who needed to recover, and because there sheer proximity to the inflamed kidneys had caused irritation and inflammation of both adrenals.
If both adrenals come out cleanly, or if too little adrenal tissue is left behind then to avoid a fatal Addison problem the ferret will need to get Prednisolone and either Percorten shots regularly or Florinef/Fludrocort orally. These help with hydration and replace missing essential adrenal products which keep electrolytes in good enough numbers and proportions for cells to function and survive. We have had ferrets on such medications for many years with no ill effects at all.
As to cyrosurgery: over time it from reading many posts it doesn't sound to be particularly better that conventional surgery done by a good surgeon.
BTW, most adrenal growths are NOT cancer, but DO need to come out. Here are two posts of interest:
<http://listserv.cuny.edu/Scripts/wa.exe?A2=ind0401&L=FERRET-SEARCH&P=R12970&I=-3>
on what is and what is not cancer
and on the outcomes when adrenal disease is not tackled:
<http://ferrethealth.org/archive/browse.php?msg=SG5054>
includes:
START QUOTE
However, even under the best conditions, when there is no malignancy, there is no bone marrow toxicosis, there is no prostatic cystic disease - even the most mild prediction is a sad one. Ferrets with adrenal disease have a diminished quality of life - they have progressive muscle loss, low grade anemia, they tend to redistribute weight to the abdomen, further making it difficult to walk, they have an increased incidence of gastric ulcers as a result of the stress of chronic illness, decreased bone density - none life-threatening, but all life-compromising. Even medical treatment, which is not my preferred way of treating adrenal disease, gives slight releif to symptoms. Doing nothing is not kind and not in a ferret's best interest.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM
END QUOTE
Here is an excellent adrenal article:
<http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/adrenal.htm>
-- Sukie (not a vet)
Ferret Health List co-moderator
http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/ferrethealth
FHL Archives fan
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/
replacing
http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org
International Ferret Congress advisor
http://www.ferretcongress.org
Author wrote:
> My 5 year old male has adrenal. He is balding, marking, and last Fri had trouble urinating. He is going to have surgery w/in the week for adrenal removal. The vet recomneded by the local rescue group in my area uses cryo. The rescue group always has both adrenals taken out in surgery. It seems drastic to me and am looking for solid advice or literature stating pros and cons to such a surgery. I mean is it worth risking a life of hormone shots to take out a healthy adrenal b/c it may become cancerous in the future? What are the odds of needing hormone shots if both are taken out? What are the odds of the second adrenal becoming cancerous if left alone? If anyone can help w/these questions, or provide any evidence to support not removing both I would greatly appreciate it.
> Barbara
====================================================================<<<
Whatever you Wanadoo, click below:
http://ads.smartgroups.com/adclick/CID=000000b7c79a99a500000000
====================================================================>>>
--
If you want to share pictures, use the calendar, or start a vote
visit http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/ferrethealth
To leave the group, email: ferrethealth-unsubscribe@smartgroups.com
Report abuse http://www.smartgroups.com/text/abusereport.cfm?gid%3D1423922&mid%3D15647