TLCDCC,
>Bear is a 7 year old ferret with hair loss over his back.  She does seem
>to sleep more then normal and eating and drinking more.  Should I have
>adrenal surgery performed or is she too old?
 
Although ferrets can get a little less active as they get older, sleeping
more then normal is a common finding in ferrets with adrenal tumors, and
after surgery 99% of them get more active and playful (which means that the
tumor makes them weak or uncomfortable).
 
From my personal experience I would recommend surgery for a 7 year old
ferret who is in otherwise good condition (which I would determine by a
good physical exam and bloodwork).  I would only recommend this if two
criteria are met:
1)The surgeon is an experienced ferret surgeon (this means capable of
removing pancreas tumors, if also present)
2)The anesthesia used is EXCLUSIVELY ISOFLURANE (not any ketamine).
 
With these criteria being met, in my experience there is a greater then 95%
success rate.
 
Good Luck
Dr Weiss
301-299-4142
[Posted in FML issue 1321]