When surgery is an option, I opt for surgery whenever possible. So far I
have had 12 ferrets, and eight surgeries for adrenal tumors. Ages were
from 1.5 years to at least 7 years old, all successful (no deaths due to
surgery or post op). Some were cancerous, some benign. Two were
bilateral adrenals with vena cava ligation, two were repeat surgeries,
(one adrenal, then the other a year later). So far, only one ferret
finally succumbed to a cancer that metastisized to another location - and
she was far gone when she came to me. But - and this is important - my
vet is very good at ferret surgeries, and very aggressive in post op
support - keeps them warm, plenty of fluids (I.V. or subcutaneous) and
"Duck Soup", etc. I always get a biopsy as well, so I know whether to
keep worrying or relax. With Lupron, the fuzzy looks and acts O.K. for
awhile, but the tumor (benign or otherwise) keeps growing. So yes,
surgery is a gamble, but one I am prepared to take, for their sake.
As to their post op behavior, I have had two who wanted to play the same
day they had the surgery !!! I had two who almost died post-op (bilateral
with ligation) and had a rough recovery for up to 10 days after. The rest
were difficult to keep quiet for the minimum 3 day period. However ALL
returned to normal, and two were even better than their pre-op selves,
especially the oldster "Dudley". I wonder if some vets are giving adequate
post op support - have you taken your fuzzys back in a month to get their
blood sugar, electrolytes and CBC checked ? Two of mine are on Florinef
(regulates water and minerals in the body) and prednisone. But all are
fine, active, and well ...ferrety. Dooker is 3 years post-op (bilateral)
and a little hellion - he is my "bad boy" - he climbs, jumps, teases the
girls, loves to learn new tricks, etc.
My only ferret that could not have adrenal surgery (age plus insulinoma)
is fading very quickly, and may have to be helped to the Rainbow Bridge
this week ... I'll take surgery every time ...
[Posted in FML issue 3423]
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