From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2006-05-14 16:27:58 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Bilateral adrenalectomy
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Hi, Shannon,
The medications your vet prescribed are normal ones for ferrets with no
adrenal glands. Ferrets generally don't die of stress but rather from
having their electrolytes out of balance after a bilateral adrenalectomy.
You are correct that your dosages are imprecise.
Your vet can prescribe prednisolone and fludrocortisone in liquid form
measured in milliliters. They can be compounded with flavoring to make
them easier to give to your ferret. The dosage does vary not only by
weight but by how your ferret responds. The way you tell if the dosage is
correct is by having your vet run bloodwork and checking the electrolytes,
particularly sodium and potassium, and making sure they are at normal
levels. He or she can the adjust the dosage to get normal values and a
good electrolyte balance.
What you really need to watch for are symptoms of surgically induced
Addison's Disease which would mean electrolytes are out of balance. This
will start with lethargy and loss of appetite. As things get worse you'll
see a lot of shivering as the ferret will be unable to control his or her
body temperature. If you see these symptoms you need to get your ferret to
the vet ASAP, get electrolyte values, and adjust medication accordingly.
If electrolytes get too far out of balance your ferret could go into
Addisonian Crisis. You can't miss it: they'll collapse and seem lifeless.
This is immediately life threatening and requires very quick intervention.
If this happens keep the ferret warm and get them to the vet on an
emergency basis right then and there. The good news is that if your vet
checks electrolytes as symptoms begin this can usually be avoided.
My Pertwee lived three and a half years with no adrenal glands. He
received his medication in liquid form. Once his electrolytes were in
balance and we knew the proper dosages for him he was able to live a happy
and normal life.
Good luck to you and your little one.
All the best,
Caity and the fantastic four
(Nyssa, Chin Soon, Zephyr, and Ella)
http://ferretsofdisorder.blogspot.com
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