From:
"jhayd@att.net"
Date: 2009-07-11 14:17:32 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Signs of adrenal
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Twice this week, Tug (my 4 1/2 year old male), showed sexual signs toward Bunny (1 year old female). After this it dawned on me that they have not been sleeping together the past couple of weeks, either. Am I correct that these may be signs of adrenal disease? I took Tug to our vet last evening and she did not seem overly concerned as Tug does not have any hair loss. She suggested I check Bunny for swollen genitals, which I did, they appear normal and she does not have any hair loss, either. The two options she gave me for testing were blood tests which are over $400 or an MRI which is over $500. If either of these tests come back normal for Tug then she suggested having them completed for Bunny. The vet would not receive the results of the blood tests for approximately one month. Of course if any of these tests indicate disease the next step would be surgery, again at approximately $500. I realize the costs for ferret care is expensive and am willing to spend the am
ounts that will result in the actual diagnosis and appropriate care. However, like most folks these days, I don't have unlimited funds. I live in west-central Illinois, bordering Iowa. My main questions are, are these signs of adrenal disease and if so which diagnostic route would be the best to go - blood tests or MRI? Do I start the testing with Tug or with Bunny? I know ferret health can plummet quickly. If these are signs of adrenal disease should I act immediately. I love my ferrets, especially Tug as he is such an outstanding animal of any type and is my very best friend. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Janet
[Moderator's Notes:
see recent posts on affording veterinary care which go into
several options and link to the miamiferret site with more info.
Please, describe the behavior more fully so people can see if
it might just be play behavior or is clearly mock-sexual behavior.
Another options might be waiting for clear symptoms -- that
depends on the ferret and vet.
The TN Panel is only that expensive when it is sent to U TN
through a middle man. It is possible to cut the cost in half
or less depending on location and the lab acting as middle
man by having the vet send it directly, then there is the cost
of the appointment, blood draw, sending, and test. See:
http://www.vet.utk.edu/diagnostic/endocrinology/index.php
Having it go through a middleman actually runs us more than
double what having our vet send directly costs.]
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