Message Number: SG16337 | New FHL Archives Search
From: Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2006-01-06 22:21:45 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] RE: hard belly//waiting for cbc results
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com

Hi, Andrea and everyone else,

If the left gland shows up as enlarged and there is
fur loss at the base of the tail and itching I'd be
willing to bet dollars to donuts (or shekels to
sufganiyot, if you prefer) that she has adrenal
disease. The may be another problem as well as a hard
belly is not an adrenal symptom.

The good news here is that the left gland is far
easier to remove than the right. I've had eight
ferrets over the years have their left gland out.
Ages ranged from one year old to six years old. All
came through the surgery just fine. Five of the eight
never had the disease recur and two did later have the
right gland out. The jury is still out on Ella (the
eighth) whose symptoms have disappeared again except
for a very slightly enlarged vulva. I've been lucky
to have really good, experienced ferret vets to care
for my little weasels. With a good vet surgery should
be curative more often than not and the success rate
should be very high (as in way over 95%).

There is always a risk with surgery but for an adrenal
ferret who is otherwise strong and healthy I believe
it is still the best option available. If something
else is involved the vet may be able to treat the
additional issue at the same time. My Lady Ayeka, for
example, had her left adrenal gland out, insulinoma
surgery, and a biopsy on a lymph node done all at once
and she recovered beautifully from that.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

All the best,
Caity and the fearsome foursome



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