Hi All,
This is the first time I'm writing to the FML.  Although I read it all
the time.  I have 2 ferrets, a 3 1/2 y.o. sable boy named Rocket and a 2
1/2 y.o. cinnamon girl named Shilo, both MF.
 
Here's my concern: Shilo started showing signs of adrenal disease early
in January of this year.  Swollen vulva and just a sparse thinning of the
fur on her tail.  The vet and I decided to watch her closely for more
'difinitive' signs, as we were thinking it might be an incomplete spay.
She'd been doing well, but last week she suddenly lost almost all the fur
on her tummy/chest.  X-Rays today show a definite calcification on her
left adrenal and a questionable shadowing on the right adrenal.  Surgery
is scheduled for 6-7.
 
My question, if Shilo has both adrenal glands removed, what type of
'regimen' will I be looking at for after the surgery?  And will she need
meds for this for the rest of her life?  I know there's lots of info about
adrenal disease out there, but most of it pertains to a unilateral adrenal
gland removal.... not bilateral.  And at this point, I'm going cross-eyed
trying to read through it all to find the info I need.
 
I've had her on duck-soup for the last 2 weeks and I'm trying to put a
little weight on her as she only weighs 650 grams now.  She's always been
a tiny little thing and I'm worried that surgery will be hard on her based
on her small size alone.  Maybe I'm 'over-obsessing' about all this.... but
this is my BABY and I'm scared to death for her!!  Any helpful information
would be appreciated.  I trust my vets completely as they are both very
ferret-knowledgeable and have taken great care of my babies in the past.
I'm just worried sick.
 
One other question, after her surgery, is it best to keep her separated
from Rocket for a few days?  I'm afraid that separation will be very hard
on both of them, as they are very attached to each other.  Help?  Please?
 
Katie, Rocket, Shilo, and Pepe (the 'would you tell those carpet-sharks to
leave my tail alone' cat) and Pyper (the 'I wish I was a ferret' cat).
[Posted in FML issue 3436]