From: Deirdre Quigley [dquigley@hway.net] Sent: Wednesday, September 01, 1999 12:41 AM To: mjanke@gate.net Subject: Fw: FAIML #325; August 30, 1999 -----Original Message----- From: Lynn McIntosh To: FAIMLanon ; FAIML Date: Tuesday, August 31, 1999 1:16 AM Subject: FAIML #325; August 30, 1999 Ferret Adrenal/Insulinoma Mailing List (FAIML) #325; August 30, 1999 Hi there! I'm back and so FAIML will now be sent out as usual, every two to four days. Boating in the Canadian Inside Passage was a splendid experience! Beautiful (stunning!) lands and seas, a great sailboat, a really fun and entertaining friend, swimming, sunning, hiking, learning about boating, fishing, seashelling, cooking, eating, reading, reading, reading, spiritual study and reflection - it was just plain great. The float planes in and out were a blast, and I sat up front next to the pilot on the tiniest plane in the fleet (and most dependable), a deHavilland Beaver (one without Turbine power), on the way out and rode in the biggest, a deHavilland Turbine "Otter"on the way back. I'd do it all again in a heartbeat! Of course, I missed the fur kids incredibly and was very happy when my husband took a detour after picking me up from the float plane to the nearby ferret shelter/supply store. As fun and challenging as it all was, it's nice to be back in my cozy house, with my fur kids, in front of a bright, cheerful computer screen! Fuzzy hugs, Lynn P.S. Could someone send me FAIML #324? I saved the wrong file and am missing it. Thanks! LMc 1. Nancy scheduled for exploratory 2. Cappuccino's sickness 3. Lasix and Pedialyte 4. Reggie's Adrenal Surgery 5. Reggie Adrenal Surgery 6. Hairballs 7. Thank you, more news on Norton 8. Stinki 9. vets in CT 10. south wilton vet 11. Positive Adrenal Energy 12. Sad discovery... Need input - Adrenal 13. Sad discovery... Need input - Adrenal TO POST: Write POST at the end of your subject heading (the more specific you can be in your subject heading, the better) and send to . URGENT POSTS: If you feel the message is urgent please mark it POST URGENT and I'll send it out to subscribers as soon as I can, then include the message in the next list. CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS: Please write POST ANONYMOUS after your subject heading if you don't want your address or last name published. SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE: Just use the one address for posts, subscription questions, requests, cancellations, comments, etc. The list is run by hand so just send me an e-mail. ADRENAL/INSULINOMA WEBSITE: FAIML ARCHIVES/PHOTOS: Past FAIMLs are being archived, with a search feature, on Michael Janke's adrenal/insulinoma web site: . Michael is also kindly posting pictures of FAIML subscribers and the ferrets at this site in the FAIML Album. Check out his site for more info. PAM GREENE's FERRET FAQs: I suggest people read (and reread) Pamela Greene's Disease FAQ's on Insulin and Adrenal diseases, as they offer a good background. I forward them to all new subscribers, and will gladly send them upon request. I also send the "Disease Package", a file that tells how to get all six of Pamela Greene's FAQs on ferret diseases. Pam also has excellent FAQ's about general ferret care as well, and a link to these may be found on the FERRET CENTRAL web site: . THE FERRET MAILING LIST (FML): The FML has 3,000+ ferret-loving subscribers and the topic is simply ferrets, ferrets, and more ferrets. Moderated by Mr. Bill Gruber, it's a good source of ferret entertainment and information. Visit FERRET CENTRAL on the web (see paragraph above) for more info on the FML. To subscribe to the FML, send email to its moderator, Bill Gruber, at and ask to be added. You can also try subscribing automatically by sending email to with the command SUBSCRIBE FERRET in the body of the email. 1. Subject: Nancy scheduled for exploratory From: Debbie Magerr Date: Mon, 30 Aug 1999 11:58:36 -0700 I took Nancy to the vet because her belly was so bloated looking. We found out she has some kind of fluid in there. The vet removed 20cc of the fluid to send for tests. Still not sure what is going on, but she definitely has a massive infection & a huge spleen. So for now she's on antibiotics. We go back next week for exploratory surgery. Debbie (Sid & Nancy) 2. Subject: Cappuccino's sickness From: "Julianna Carlson" Date: Thu, 26 Aug 1999 14:18:20 GMT Hello, I've posted a letter a couple months ago saying my ferret Cappuccino had an allergy to his food. But last week we went on vacation, so we let the vet take care of Cappuccino, Noone, and our recently found dog Gurl. well when we came back the vet said that since cappuccino wasn't responding to his meds that it would be pointing more toward him having a adrenal tumor. And my parents don't want to pay for cappuccino having surgery. The vet said that if he didn't have the surgery that the only effect would be a shorter life span but since he is 6.5 years old that it wouldn't matter because the normal life span is 5-8 years. But the only thing is I would like him to have the surgery because I would want him to have hair and be atleast a little heathier before he passes away. -Julie- Noone, Cappuccino, and Gurl 3. Subject: Lasix and Pedialyte From: "Vicki L. Henderson" Date: Sat, 21 Aug 1999 11:34:16 -0400 Well Buzz is now taking Lasix after having a hard night Thursday night, and, being at the vets with him in distress I forgot to ask her should I continue on with the pedialyte since he's retaining too much fluid? Pedialyte served it's purpose when he was borderline dehydrated, but is it necessary now? Also, would like to know if it's safe to give him small amounts of banana babyfood for potassium? He does have Insulinoma also, right now his glucose levels are good, the banana baby food is all natural with no added sugar, but it does contain natural sugar. This little fellow has enough problems as it is and I don't want to be adding anything that might jeopardize his health. Thank you. -- Vicki L. Henderson-aka-Ferret Fanatic Buzz, Woody, Miss Tizzy, Ginger & General Kaos! The Fearless FLO! http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Flats/2373/ Ferret Cross Stitch! http://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/Fair/1760/ ICQ: 11898312 4. Subject: Reggie's Adrenal Surgery From: "Erin Shepherd" Date: Fri, 20 Aug 1999 12:27:40 -0400 MODERATOR'S NOTE: This post was sent earlier to FAIML subscribers as an individual message, and is being included in the next list as usual. Update posts to Reggie's surgery follow this one. I've just joined the list. My 4.5 year old boy, Reggie, is undergoing adrenal surgery this very moment. The doc just called to get permission to remove a hard mass from his stomach - the (left) adrenal has already been removed. The mass is a surprise. Subjecting Reggie to all of this has been a hard decision, and i'm in a state of panic now. I'm worried about post-surgical care - the doc hasn't said anything about pain medication or anitibiotics. Sometimes vets are so knife-happy.. this is terribly invasive, and I want to be able to care for Reggie properly afterwards. I just read Christine's message about unsuccessful adrenal surgery, and I need some comforting words. Erin ~~<:))))><~~~<:))))><~~~<:))))><~~~~~~ >*)((((((>>><~~ Erin E. Shepherd Member Services Director Associated Home Health Industries of Florida, Inc. ees@ahhif.org http://www.ahhif.org Make A Donation To A Great Cause! http://www.freenet.tlh.fl.us/~wild/index.html 5. Subject: Reggie Adrenal Surgery From: "Erin Shepherd" Date: Tue, 24 Aug 1999 11:23:44 -0400 I want to thank all of you for your response to my message about Reggie. He made it through the adrenal surgery (left adrenal taken out). The hard mass in his stomach was, in fact, a hairball -- the biggest one the doc says he's ever seen in a ferret. It was a hard weekend for us both, but Reggie is doing everything he is supposed to do.. eating, taking his medication, and sleeping most of all. You all gave me great information on aftercare. It's been four days, and he's back to his mischevous self. Reggie has a talented and caring vet, and that made all the difference. 20 I was second guessing myself about putting him through the surgery last week, but I'm feeling more confident now.. that Reggie's quality of life will improve. Erin ~~<:))))><~~~<:))))><~~~<:))))><~~~~~~ >*)((((((>>><~~ Erin E. Shepherd Member Services Director Associated Home Health Industries of Florida, Inc. ees@ahhif.org http://www.ahhif.org Make A Donation To A Great Cause! http://www.freenet.tlh.fl.us/~wild/index.html 6. Subject: Hairballs From: "Erin Shepherd" Date: Tue, 24 Aug 1999 11:29:03 -0400 How can you prevent hairballs in the stomach anyway? e ~~<:))))><~~~<:))))><~~~<:))))><~~~~~~ >*)((((((>>><~~ Erin E. Shepherd Member Services Director Associated Home Health Industries of Florida, Inc. ees@ahhif.org http://www.ahhif.org Make A Donation To A Great Cause! http://www.freenet.tlh.fl.us/~wild/index.html 7. Subject: Thank you, more news on Norton From: "Christine Rozycki" Date: Fri, 27 Aug 1999 18:51:47 -0400 I wanted to thank everyone for all the wonderful letters sent to me on behalf of Norton. It has helped me along tremendously. I also wanted to let you know that I spoke with Dr. Hudson about Norton, and found out that he also had problems with his liver. The stress of the surgery, and all that goes along with it, was just too much for his little body to handle. The normal tests given before surgery (AKA's ?) did not show this problem, we only found out when the biopsy samples were analyzed. Dr. Hudson is sending me the results so maybe I can go into more detail when I get those. So thank you again, and I'll talk to you all soon. Chris, Ralph, Piedmont & Norton in sp 8. Subject: Stinki From: WGHOL@aol.com Date: Sun, 22 Aug 1999 12:45:17 It is with overwhelming sadness and grief that I send this. The Light of my life, Stinki, passed on this Sunday morning at 9 am. She had spent a happy, energetic Saturday playing and dancing like she was a Kit. During the late night hours she became weak and lethargic, and slowly worsened through the wee early hours of the morn. An emergency trip to the Vet showed nothing conclusive, and she went into cardiac arrest at Guelph U. emerg. shortly after my arrival there. I do not know what happened, yet, it all came about so quickly. My only consolation, (if you can call it that), is that it progressed rapidly, and she showed no distress at all. I'm thankful that I was with her when she passed, although not any easier to deal with, I did get to tell her Goodbye. Wendi 9. Subject: vets in CT From: miralia@juno.com Date: Sat, 28 Aug 1999 23:59:59 -0400 You should try to contact Ann and Vanesse Gruden -- they're in Hartford and they run Ferret Association of Connecticut... they have a web page, but I don't know the address. They might know someone with access to Lupron or a vet who can give you a second opinion... :-) Good luck. My boys have been on Lupron since January... Benny had a urinary blockage a year ago and had surgery to save his bladder (and rerouting his urethra.) The Lupron has kept the symptoms at bay. You might also want to try herbal support --- Try anything that will help prostate problems (I use Milk Thistle and Saw Palmetto combination daily with Benny.) -andrea in Wilmington, NC > Subject: Lupron & urinary blockage > From: MLand77420@aol.com > Date: Wed, 18 Aug 1999 02:31:53 EDT > > Hi, > Does anyone know of any Vets in the mid-Connecticut area that > specialize in Ferrets? Our Vet doesn't want to use Lupron on > "Weasel" and > > says he doesn't see any reason to do so. Also Weasel has a urinary > blockage and is being treated for that. Any input on that is > appreciated. TIA, Diane and Weasel 10. Subject: south wilton vet From: EquineAmy@aol.com Date: Fri, 20 Aug 1999 10:44:42 EDT Melissa, Funny thing is that I just responded to the message above yours telling them about south wilton. My vet also reccomended them to me. THEY ARE EXCELLANT. Their number is 203-762-2002. If anyone wants some more info on them, please write me. They have saved my connor (1.5 yrs with a right adrenal currently doing super de duper de duper on Lupon!!!!!!) Good luck to all 11. Subject: Positive Adrenal Energy From: AngelFeret@aol.com Date: Sat, 21 Aug 1999 03:36:16 EDT I wanted to let everyone know that as a shelter, we see many ferrets with various problems. And we have seen numerous adrenal ferrets. We have only one surgery under our belts, but it was very successful. Misty, a red-eyed white female, came to us bald, but beautiful. She was not very happy, and her owners had let her live with the disease for almost a year. We had her surgery immediately, and she lost all of her hair afterwards, and it grew back in better than it had ever been! She came "out of her shell" so to speak, becoming a completely different ferret. She was happy, playful, and lovable. She was about six years old at the time of surgery, and it's been two years. Misty is beginning to show signs of "old age", but she is aging gracefully and naturally. By having her undergo surgery, we allowed her to live a happy, healthy life, and we (and she) are very thankful for that. We have three adrenals waiting for surgery at this time. I can't wait to see them all romp around like little kits again. Keep a positive attitude about those adrenals, and everyone please SEND POSITIVE ENERGY! Donna Angel Ferret Shelter, Inc. 12. Subject: Sad discovery... Need input - Adrenal From: Megan Dahlem Date: Fri, 20 Aug 1999 23:19:48 -0700 (PDT) MODERATOR'S NOTE: This post was sent earlier to FAIML subscribers as an individual message, and is being included in the next list as usual. My little chocolate weasel girl was doing her itchy dance and something caught my eye... Her vulva is incredibly swollen and the color is light pink (if that makes a difference)... She's a MF girl, almost 3.5 yrs old - so my first guess would be adrenal problems. I can't believe I didn't notice it sooner - The kids are handled every day and I just don't know how I could miss something like that. :( Is there *any* chance this could be an incomplete spay? Probably a little late for that... But... Anyone have an experience with that? I'm going to start sourcing out vets & will get her in to the vet asap - the ferrets have an excellent vet, but I'm going to do some comparing. I have a $1,000 in credit available for such emergencies, however, I have no more than that. (One of those poor college students, you know...) Suggestions on great Seattle area vets are very much appreciated! And what should I ask for once I get there? An ultrasound or the blood workup? Tonic is otherwise completely healthy. No hair loss whatsoever, she's fat and her activity level is normal. She seems to be a little itchy now but I could just be paranoid. (No fleas here, believe me I've looked!) If this is adrenal, I'm pretty sure I'll elect for the surgery.. Since she's so healthy. I know it's important to catch this early for the best success - but how high are the odds that there will be more problems in the future? I'm bummed.. Tonic is such a sweetheart.. I just wasn't expecting this quite so soon. Well.. It's time I weed through that info that I have stored away and study up. Comments are welcome! - Megan http://students.washington.edu/mdahlem/furo/ 13. Subject: Re: Sad discovery... Need input - Adrenal From: Saunders59@aol.com Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 23:28:55 EDT Hi Megan, My name is Kim and I live in Issaquah, which is in the Seattle area. There is a vet in Seattle named Dr. Tracy Nolan. She works at Phinney Ridge. I used to work with her a couple of years ago when she worked at the clinic I am currently working at called Cedar River Animal Hospital. She quit with us to go work with exotics. That was her passion. She was always very good with my rabbits and hamster. In my opinion she is a good vet. I cannot remember how long she has been a vet, but she is not fresh out of vet school, which is a good thing!! I would probably elect to do bloodwork first. Maybe do an estra dial test, which is a blood test. Also ask the opinion of the doc too and then go from there. An ultrasound would be good if the estra dial came back elevated. I just went through that with my ferret Critter. He is not a surgery canidate because he has an enlarged heart so he is receiving the Lupron injections. One more thing, I was not impressed with Dr. Skip Nelson with the Exotic Bird and Pet Clinic in Kirkland. I felt he was not up on the lastest concerning treatment and etc. He was also a smart aleck to me. Maybe he has a weird sense of humor. I was not impressed. When Critter was first diagnosed with cardiomyopathy he told me the only good thing going for my ferret was that he is handsome. He made is sound like Critter was going to die any day. Be picky when it comes to your animals. Good luck. Kim Rockey ------------------- End of FAIML #325 -------------------------