Dear Amy:
 
>I was told that discharge isn't indicative of adrenal (by my vet, I
>believe).  My vet suspected an infection based on the discharge, but that
>is all in the past, it turns out Miya *did* have adrenal and everything
>went back to normal.  It's just that this is the first time I've heard of
>the discharge associated with adrenal.  Anyone else shocked?  Anyone else
>know this?  I'd like to mention it to my vet for her future reference if
>this is "fact." Thanks!
 
Stump pyometras in adrenal ferrets are indeed "fact" and can result in a
vaginal discharge.  They are less common that vaginal or kidney infections,
but they can be a sign of adrenal disease.  However, this is not to say
that everytime you see a vaginal discharge, you put adrenal at the top of
your list.
 
Veterinary diagnosis, for the most part, is based on the compilation of a
number of clinical signs and laboratory tests.  In the case of adrenal
disease, a vaginal discharge may be present, but in the absence of any
other signs, it should go at the bottom of your ruleout list rather than
the top.
 
Shocking? No - shouldn't be.
 
With kindest regards,
 
Bruce Williams, dVM
[Posted in FML issue 3231]