http://www.smartgroups.com/message/readmessage.cfm?
gid=1423922&messageid=8948&startid=8950
 
I have to agree with you.  If both adrenals are completely removed (that
usually means removing part of the wall of the vena cava with the right
gland) then the ferret will need replacement hormone supplementation
(pediapred and percorten or pediapred and florinef).  However some
ferrets also have accessory adrenal nodules near the adrenal glands.  If
these are not removed then they can produce enough of the adrenal
hormones.  One study found accessory nodules in ~8% of the ferrets they
checked (these were healthy, non-adrenal ferrets).  Adrenal ferrets
probably have a higher rate of accessory nodules.  I have found them in
the fat pad near the left gland and even on the right side of the vena
cava across from the left gland.  I have found them most often distal to
the right gland and sometimes medial to the vena cava.  So you really
have to check the fat pads and all around the adrenal glands for the
accessory nodules.  Plus you have to take part of the wall of the vena
cava out to completely remove the right gland most of the time!
 
Hope that helps,
Jerry Murray, DVM
[Posted in FML issue 4526]