Hi all!
 
well, my suspicions were correct!  My vet got the info from U. of TN.  The
adrenal panel says Keera's blood supports clinical signs for presence of
adrenal disease.  I am glad I know the truth, but I really didn't want her
to need surgery.
 
This is where I need your advice (as always, turn to FML to help!!) There
are so many of your that have had the surgery done to their ferrets--I am
not too sure what else to go.
 
Keera=3.5yr old spayed female (MF)
tired, lethargic got CBC in Dec of 98-vet observed swolen vulva said it
was in the normal range.
Mid Jan-took in for another office visit-lethargic, brittle fur, no
winter coat, big belly, weaker muscles (didn't know if it was related or
not...) had TN panel run.
Results came back:
Estradiol pmol/L             164.6    (norm: 30-180 pmol/L)
17 OH Progesterone nmol/L      0.62   (norm: 0-0.8 nmol/L)
Androstenedione nmol/L        24.9    (norm: 0-15 nmol/L)
 
she is on the high end of norm for the first two.  The last one, vet siad
was basically like testosterone was high.  She still has no hair loss.
 
I have thought of the options (surgery, medicine, a study using Lupron run
at AMC!!  I am don't want to start up a debate or anything, but Dr.
Morrissey spoke to my vet about the study and said he fears the lupron will
only make the symptoms go aways and the tumor will continue to grow.  For
this reason I am not going to participate in the study.
 
I have ruled out medicine b/c I feel it will only buy me time with her
as opposed to surgery that has a better route...
 
that leave surgery.
 
but my question is where to go.  My vet is referring me to AMC in NYC.
Many have voiced their opinions but I am not sure what to do...I trust
them.  My vet knows Dr. Morrissey and Dr. Heidi Hoeffler personally and
has spoken to them regarding pricing and etc..
 
Both Dr. Morissey and my vet, Dr. Hoskins recommend an ultrasound.  Saying
they don't want to go in to Keera not confirming adrenal disease (since
even blood tests can give a false positve..blahblahblah).  Also, something
about no increased something in the liver during her CBC in Dec.
 
Does anyone know what that means??
 
Basically, untrasound in 140$   Surgery is total 600-800 with 1-2 days in
hospital at AMC.  She does get to have a board certified specialist and 24
hour care...
 
Can anyone give me any help here!  that is really steep for me right now, I
barely finished paying off Nico's bills and now this!  (how do you shelters
do it??)
 
I know it is Manhatten, but that is nuts!  I should go search for some
cash--thanks for letting me vent!!
 
meagan in NY
 
ps: Keera must have known she was the spotlight of attention last night b/c
she played all day all nihgt...as if she was never sick a day in her life.
More energy than ever!  Something turned her from the delicate princess
that never got into trouble into a DEVIL!!  I found her at 4am on the
counter stealing the soap container (she already took a spoon and
tupperware!!  what a showoff!!)
[Posted in FML issue 2575]