Eleanor, prostate inflammation in ferrets is secondary to adrenal disease
and removing the bad adrenal is typically curative.  The mechanism is
well known.  Actually, maybe yesterday to a few days ago I carried over
some vet posts from the FHL which go into this so try calling up the old
lists.  To do that you just send a message saying "SEND FERRET nnnn" to
<[log in to unmask]> (substituting in the digest number so in this
case try numbers 4080 - 4085 to start) and look at the bottom for
subjects that include "from FHL" in them.
 
You will also want to plug the word "prostate" and the word "dysuria"
into the search engines at
http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org/
and
http://listserv.cuny.edu/archives/ferret-search.html
and if you want or need further data after that then go to
http://www.ferretcongress.org and read up at the various vet pages or
vet's articles in pages provided by others.
 
You will find info directly form ferret vets for your vet.
 
When a ferret is not a surgical candidate for getting out that bad
adrenal then it's more complicated.  In that case combinations of Lupron
injections, Proscar (or Procecia), and sometimes melatonin are used.
The first two are essential in that approach.
 
Even when the urinary blockage is complete, though, getting out that
bad adrenal is normally curative.  Honestly, except when there is not
a health reason to do surgery or there is not someone good at ferret
surgeries, or the person can't provide decent post-op care, the adrenal
operation is typically the best way to go.  There is no reason to remove
the prostate when it's responding to the adrenal which is what is seen.
 
Surgery on a right one is harder and if your vet is not an excellent
surgeon or not familiar with the nuances of surgery and anesthesia in
ferrets then you'll want to seek out a ferret specialist.
 
If both adrenals have to come out or if one adrenal is atrophied then the
ferrets will need supplemental Florinef and Prednisone, OR Percorten and
Prednisone after surgery and through life if the surgery cleanly removed
both glands completely.  This is not a problem and does not diminish
abilities or quality of life.  Our best athlete has been on Florinef and
Pred for 3 years now.
 
I suggest that you also read up on post-surgical care, things like not
climbing, not using standard litters for a while, gluing incisions of
those who turn out to be stitch removers, etc.
 
Okay, I looked for you: FML digest #4080 has a neat post carried from the
FHL from vet, Dr. Jerry Murray on dealing with complications of right
adrenal surgery.  #4084 is the digest with the posts you need.  That is
the March 12, 2003 issue.  There are a few useful ones there but be sure
to read the ones on dysuria.
[Posted in FML issue 4087]