The following articles in the July 15th issue of the Journal of the
American Veterinary Medical Association might be of interest.
 
Lawrence HJ, Gould WJ et al, Unilateral adrenalectomy as a
treatment for adrenocortical tumors in ferrets: Five cases
(1990-1992), JAVMA, Vol 203, No 2, pp 267-270.7
 
Rosenthal KL, Peterson ME et al, Hyperadrenocorticism
associated with adrenocortical tumor or nodular hyperplasia
of the adrenal gland in ferrets: 50 cases (1987-1991),
JAVMA, Vol 203, No 2, pp 271-275.
 
I thought the second article by Karen Rosenthal was particularly
good.  She makes it clear that these tumors do not behave like
adrenocortical tumors that commonly cause Cushing's syndrome in
dogs (So if your vet is using ACTH stimulation test to detect
adrenal tumors they should reconsider).  This is also the first
time I have seen the speculation that very early spaying might
predispose to adrenocortical tumors actually printed in a
scientific journal (its certainly TALKED about).
 
I apologize if these have already been posted.  My monitor blew
out recently and I'm WAY behind on my ferret newsletters.  Even
though I don't write in often I enjoy everyone elses comments.
 
Rich Ellis Internet ([log in to unmask])
           AOL      (ricell)
 
[Posted in FML issue 0550]