Hello! I have a question for anyone out there who is experienced with adrenal tumors, especially advanced ones. I have a 5yr old male ferret who was just turned into the shelter with an adrenal tumor. (After living with them his whole life. Amazing how people will abandon older animals, they have to know they have a very small chance of ever getting adopted out, especially when they are not in perfect health.) However, he first started losing hair a year and a half ago! He went completely bald, and then started growing his hair back. The vet that this family went to said she ruled out adrenal disease with a blood test, however, according to the family that turned him in, she said she did the blood test herself, it was not sent to the University of Tennessee adrenal panel. They also said she was fresh out of vet school. This same vet also told them that this ferret was a girl. He is unquestionably a boy. Judging from his dry skin, partial hair loss, and very low energy level, I am 99% sure he does have an adrenal tumor, and very advanced at that. According to my vet, since he has had the tumor for so long, it has probably spread to both adrenals. My question is, is surgery a viable option for him? The last time I had a ferret come in with advanced adrenal disease, he died on the operating table just from the anesthetic. He was just too weak. This time, I am going to have a more experienced ferret vet do the surgery, however, even she is not completely comfortable with right sided adrenal tumors, although she is willing to try. My vet said that he can have the left adrenal completely removed, and part of the right, and hopefully still be okay if he makes it through the surgery. Would Lysodren or something similar be better for him? I was planning to put him on Lysodren or another drug (I can't remember the name) that has fewer side effects just to maybe strengthen him up for surgery. Or would it be better to just keep him Lysodren for the rest of his life, providing it is effective. I know Lysodren only works in about 50% of ferrets, but I have also heard that in the ferrets it does work in, it is almost completely effective. I don't know if makes any difference in how advanced the tumor is though. I would really appreciate any and all advice you could give me on this matter. Jake is a very sweet little guy, and very much attached to human interaction. He follows me all over, but just doesn't seem to have the energy to play. I would like to be able to help him if at all possible. Thank you. Dooks and kisses to your fuzzies, Shelley Knudsen Legion of Superferrets of Nebraska Ferret Shelter [log in to unmask] 402-463-0190 P.S. My vet's name is Dr. Polly Lewis at the Hastings Animal Clinic if anyone would like to contact her directly. The number is 402-463-9805 or 800-742-2697. [Posted in FML issue 2046]