From:
"Karen McCabe"
Date: 2009-07-11 21:20:57 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Signs of adrenal
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
--- In ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com, "jhayd@..." <jhayd@...> wrote:
>
> > Another options might be waiting for clear symptoms -- that
> > depends on the ferret and vet.
>
> What do you mean by clear symptoms?
>
Sexual behavior (ie; humping) in altered males IS a clear sign of adrenal disease. Other symptoms include aggression (non-sexual), hair loss, excessive grooming (ear licking/biting of other ferrets, licking of both other ferrets and humans, etc), excessive itching, thinning of the skin, muscle wasting, hind end weakness, swelling of the vulva (in females), prostate enlargement andurinary blockages (in males).
> >
> > 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.]
>
> Yes, blood work was going through a middle man. MRI would be done here locally.
> >
>
> [Your vet can use the info on that website and do it without the
> middleman.]
>
The U of Tenn charges $65.00 to run the ferret adrenal panel, which is, in my opinion, the most reliable method of testing. Ultrasound is also sometimes used but is not at all reliable. I have never heard of MRI being used though I'm sure it could be, however it is an unnecessary expense.
As for treatment, surgery is not the only option. I have seen the best results with lupron therapy (a hormonal injection given regularly....once monthly to once every 3 to 4 months, depending on which version is used, for life).
You might discuss these things with your vet or perhaps seek out a more ferret knowledgeable vet.
Karen McCabe
http://www.cinnamonsprite.net
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/adrenalferretslist/
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