In most cases,
the left adrenal accounts for the vast majority
of lesions (80%), with the right adrenal accounting
for 26%. Ferrets presenting with both glands involved
represents about 8% of all cases. It is quite common
after the removal of the affected gland (usually
the left), to have the other gland affected down
the line. If the gland is malignant the window
of recurrence to the other gland is usually shortened.
You should have
frank, open and honest discussions with your vet
on the best treatment options. Keep in mind when
opting for the drug choice, you will need to continue
this for the life of the ferret. If signs/symptoms
begin appearing after some use, the dosage time
can be increased, and if that doesn't help, chances
are the tumor is malignant and surgery should be
pursued.
Ultrasound is NOT an
accurate test for adrenal, and in one study by
Dr. Karen Rosenthal, etc at The Animal Medical
Center in New York, only 50% of the diseased glands
were diagnosed.
Bilateral
Adrenal Disease
Unfortunately, it is quite common after the removal of a gland
to have the other gland become affected, and to a lesser degree
to have them both affected at the same time. If both are affected
together, the recommended protocol is to remove the gland that's
worst first and then remove the other one 1-2 months later to avoid
Addison's crash.
When both glands
are removed, the ferrets body stops producing the
needed hormones at once, which can send the ferret
into shock, Addison's Disease and possibly death.
It is very possible that some ectopic tissue remains
from surgery, producing enough natural hormones
on their own without drug intervention. The only
way to know for sure is through frequent Chem Panels
to monitor the levels. Your ferret will most likely
need to be given Florinef (pill) daily for life
or an injection of Percortin monthly for life.
Blood tests are vital at the beginning to establish
the correct drug dosage, and should continue quarterly
thereafter to ensure all is well. A majority of
the vets prefer the Florinef for the easier flexibility
in dose changes and less visits for you to the
office.
When both glands
are removed, it is very common to immediately administer
the Florinef or Percortin to avoid Addison's shock
due to the immediate loss of needed hormones not
being produced. Constant and continual monitoring
by blood tests are vital to the health, survival
and well-being of your ferret.
Surgical
Treatment
Surgery is the MOST effective, recommended
and successful treatment for adrenal disease, and involves
the removal of the infected gland. It is reported
that 90+% of affected ferrets can be cured by
surgery, even in ferrets older than 7. Once surgery
has successfully been performed, you can expect your
ferret to live a normal life for quite a few years,
however, there is no guarantee that the disease will
not reappear or affect the other gland.
The removal of
the right gland presents increased complications,
due to it's very close proximity to the large vena
cava, which is the main abdominal vein. Due to
this delicate nature, some veterinarians are not
comfortable in performing surgery and will opt
for drug use. It is important BEFORE you
proceed with this surgery to seek out a veterinarian
who is very comfortable performing this operation
and has had great success, especially if the right
side is involved with it's many complications.
Continued on the Major Ferret Illnesses Part 3
