Hi, everyone,
 
Pertwee, my deaf albino bundle of energy, had adrenal surgery yesterday,
and is recovering at an absolutely amazing rate.  He is running around,
eating like a little pig, and my only real concern is how to keep him from
climbing on things and opening his sutures.  Leave him in the cage?  Nope,
with all the levels and ramps out, he just climbs the inside of the
recovery cage.  Somehow, I don't think that's a good idea :) Anyway, my
point is that he is doing brilliantly.
 
FWIW, Kerr Avon, a two year old silver mitt male, also had an adrenalectomy
back in February.  He now has a full, beautiful coat, has gained back all
the weight he lost, and is back to being our "Mr. Cuddle Weasel".  The
adrenal disease had made him quite aggressive and nippy.
 
I am posting this because we see, quite often, someone questioning the
wisdom of adrenal surgery, or else saying they just can't afford it right
now.  With a really good vet, it can work wonders, and is well worth the
expense.  If a ferret is very old, or has other medical problems, yes,
there are certainly times when surgery just isn't advisable.  For a ferret
with no other major problems, adrenal disease *is* curable, and we all owe
it to ourselves and our fuzzies to give them a chance at a full and happy
life.
 
Each surgery cost me just under $500.  Obviously, with two in the last
three months, and visits before and after, I've had a four digit ferret
medical bill lately, and I own a total of five fuzzies.
 
So, please, if your ferrets are healthy and happy now, put a little money
aside for when they're not.  Adrenal can strike at any time (Pertwee will
be two in July), can strike a ferret from any breeder (Avon is from MF, but
Pertwee is from Triple H), and, let's face it, it just isn't cheap to cure,
and is just one of the ailments these little critters are prone to.
 
Please think about it if you haven't.  I realize for most of you I am
preaching to the choir, but for those who aren't prepared for a major
ferret illness, this is really important.  I'd like you to be able to
post about how well your little ones are doing too.
 
All the best,
Caity
 
(mine: Adric, Kerr Avon, Nyssa, Romana, and "Mr. What's All the
Fuss?" Pertwee)
(my housemate's:  Tenchi, Ryo-Ohki, and Lady Ayeka)
[Posted in FML issue 3036]