To Jennifer Morlanne:
 
>You spoke a few days ago about Addisonian (hypoadrenocortical) crisis.
>Could you provide more information on this...
 
Jennifer - Addisonian crises are not very common in ferrets and only seen
when the adrenal cortex is completely wiped out, either by replacement by a
large neoplasm, surgical removal of both adrenal glands, or overdosage of
Lysodren (a drug which also wipes out the adrenal glands).
 
The signs of Addisonian crises are not specific.  Lethargy, anorexia,
weakness, inability to walk, progressing to seizures, coma and death.  This
pattern can be seen in a number of other diseases, such as insulinoma or
severe heart disease, however, the history of treatment for adrenal disease
should make one put hypoadrenocorticism high on the list of possible
diagnoses.
 
The confirmation of hypoadrenocorticism is made via bloodwork.  As the
adrenal cortex is responsible for maintain the proper balance of minerals in
the blood, a reading for blood electrolytes is taken.  In an Addisonian
crisis, the blood sodium will be markedly decreased from its normal level of
approximately 150 mmol/l to around 120-130.  Potassium levels will increase
to try to maintain electroneutrality of the blood.
 
Administration of synthetic mineralocorticoids can re-establish nromal
parameters, but they must be done quickly after diagnosis.  Addisonian
ferrets may be maintained long-term on corticosteroids in certain cases.
 
Bruce Williams, DVM, DACVP              Chief Pathologist, AccuPath
Dept. of Veterinary Pathology               [log in to unmask]
Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
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[Posted in FML issue 1452]