Hi FMLers!
 
I just wanted to give everyone an update on Angel's surgery.  She had
surgery on Sept 11th to remove the kidney with the malpositioned ureter.
 
REFRESHER AND FOR THE NEWBIES: The ureter bypassed the bladder and emptied
directly into the urethra.  Since the bladder is where the sphincter control
is located, she dribbled urine almost constantly, wetting her bedding, her
cagemates, my carpet, and anything else her bottom came in contact with.
Surgery to remove the kidney with malposed ureter was deemed the best option
by myself, Dr. Anna Edling(my ferret "specialist" vet-Colmar, PA), and the
FML vets: Dr. Williams and Dr. Dutton.
 
Well, I was hoping I'd have good news to report, that's why I waited, hoping
something might change.  However, the surgery unfortunately did not resolve
the problem.  She continues to dribble, only now she is working with only
one kidney.<sigh> I am told that both kidneys and ureters were clearly
visible on her Urogram x-rays and there was no question as to which kidney
it was.  Apparently, all the vets at the Animal Medical Center viewed them
and agreed on the diagnosis.  Apparently, everyone was also very eager to
take a scalpel(eek!) to my little Angel, as well.  Afterall, I am fortunate
enough to be the owner of a very "unique" ferret.  So, I am told!
 
VETS: I am told that ferrets are too small to perform a retrograde contrast
study on and this is only standard practice on larger animals.  Is this
true?  What would the advantage be to doing this procedure if it is
possible?  I am also told that continued incontinence is not uncommon in
cats and dogs with similar problems, due to lack of "tone".  Is this true?
She is scheduled for a followup Urogram on Oct.  10.  Anyone have any
special suggestions which might help possibly "better" visualize the other
ureter?  Dr. Brown of Hickory Veterinary Hospital in Plymouth Meeting,PA is
doing the repeat procedure as a "freebie" in the name of vet.  research.
She thinks she might be able to publish a veterinary paper on her case.  She
was also kind enough to make two trips to AMC in New York City, to find
Angel's misplaced(and presumed lost)x-rays.  She found them on her second
trip.  Hooray for Dr. Brown!
 
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO DR.  WILLIAMS FOR ALL THE INPUT THAT YOU HAVE ALREADY
GIVEN ME IN REGARD TO ANGEL'S UNUSUAL CASE.
 
Angel has recovered nicely.  Dr. Edling was kind enough to keep her at home
with her for the following day(where Angel apparently stashed a favorite
toy!  It did not make the return trip!<GGG>) She is going in to see my local
vet, Dr. Liez of Rothman Animal Hospital-Collingswood,NJ tomorrow to get the
first of her overdue kit distemper shots and have a possible respiratory
problem checked out.  She acts like something is caught in her throat, she
seems uncomfortable.  I give her some Petromalt and then she drinks some
water and seems to help a little.  Could it just be hair from shedding?  Oh
well...best to err on the side of caution.
 
Happy Ferreting!!!!!!!
 
Dodie and the Fuzzy Five(Gidget,Molly,Teddy,Fozzie,& Angel aka "Puddles"
 
I GOTTA GET A SIGNATURE FILE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<GGG>
[Posted in FML issue 1701]