I found out from Dr. Dutton (THANKS) the prostate problem is likely related
to adrenals.  I had asked the vet to look at the adrenals while he was in
there but he was doing what he thought was best for Gizzie, trying not to
cause too much stress and didn't go up that far.  Gizzie cannot go back into
surgery till he heals.  Gizzie is on Lysodrin.  I'm frustrated because we
were so close to possibly correcting the problem.....
 
I should have posted to the fml before surgery and perhaps one of the
on-line vets could have caught or suggested what that mass was and we could
have saved everyone, Gizzie especially a lot of pain (both emotionally and
physically).  I can't go back and change it so it is time to learn from this
lesson and move forward.  Please note that adrenal problems in males can
cause problems with the prostate.
 
After rushing Gizzie to the vet on Saturday night for a complete urinary
blockage, and Dr. Snyder manually removing several stones we re-viewed the
xrays and decided it was time for an exploratory.  The surgery date options
were either Tuesday or 3 weeks away.  I was afraid to wait 3 weeks, after
the last 3 emergency calls I was concerned we'd have to go into surgery some
late night when the doctor would be tired and I would be his only assistant.
Not a pretty site!  So Tuesday it was.
 
Gizzie is quite uncomfortable.  His bruising is fading but the mass at times
forms a lump under the skin, I assume from the muscles being clipped for
surgery which would have previously hidden the mass from view.  I've thought
of giving him a tiny bit of Valerian root but he is still eating and
drinking well and I'm not sure if that will help or cause more harm.  I know
how poor Gizzie feels.  When I had my surgery it was the healing of the
muscles that was most painful.  Poor Gizzie.  He is still exhibiting
frequency and I know that has to hurt.  His incision goes down his midline
then skirts his ummm.... wee wee area (family list you know).  His bottom
stitch is gone, most likely caused by constant wetness of his lower belly
area and his stretching.  I do blot him with a warm damp cloth but that
still leaves a dampness.
 
Sorry for not giving details previously.  I was in shock.  You see Gizzie is
very special to me, they are all special but Gizzie is extra special.  I
almost lost him when he was only 9 months old to a diarrheal disease (no not
ECE - worse!).  Gizzie taught me a lot during that time that I have used
time and again with other critical ferrets.  Please keep Gizzie in your
prayers.  I too keep all the sick little ones in our prayers.
 
Hugs to all.
tle (aka Sprite)
[Posted in FML issue 1623]