Message Number: FHL11493 | New FHL Archives Search
From: Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2010-05-08 17:05:32 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Ferret with advanced adrenal diesease
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com

Hi,

Tressie already gave you good answers regarding Milo. Deslorelin was
my first thought but I do have the same reservations about it that she
does.

In addition to checking Milo's prostate I would have the vet check his
blood glucose. At his age insulinoma is pretty common. If his blood
glucose is low adding prednisolone (pediapred) may help him get around
better. If he has lymphoma that would also be the course of treatment
and it would make him feel better.

You asked about surgery. If Milo only had adrenal, if it wasn't
advanced or combined with another issue, and if he was otherwise
healthy I would say it's risky but possible at age eight. In the
condition you describe the risks would be awfully high and the chance
of a good outcome, particularly if he has lymphoma as well, are very
low.

If you had a definitive diagnosis and if it was a life or death
situation I have had surgery done on a ferret that age for insulinoma.
We almost lost Podo as his heart stopped while he was waking from
anesthesia. Thankfully our vet was able to revive him and he made a
full recovery but it could easily have gone the other way. The only
time we ever lost a ferret to surgery was a rescue with an advanced
case of adrenal disease. At Milo's age I only consider surgery for
one of mine when not doing it is a death sentence.

There comes a time in every ferret's life when the best option becomes
treating for symptomatic relief rather than trying to cure anything.
I certainly wouldn't give up but it may come down to keeping Milo as
comfortable and happy as possible.

Good luck to you and to Milo.

All the best,
Caity and the terrific trio
(Ella, Zephyr and Chin Soon)


------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/

<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional

<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/join
(Yahoo! ID required)

<*> To change settings via email:
ferrethealth-digest@yahoogroups.com
ferrethealth-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
ferrethealth-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/