We received the special blood test results last night, and they confirmed what the veterinarians had believed. Moosey has an aldosterone-secreting mass on his adrenal gland, which is causing his body to overproduce sodium and causing his potassium levels to be very low. This condition is known as
hyperaldosteronism, or
Conn’s Syndrome. Possible courses of action are: 1. surgical removal of the mass, or 2. daily medication to suppress the production of aldosterone, and supplements to raise his potassium levels. There are important considerations with both of these, and we are now working to learn as much as possible so that we can make the most informed decision for Moosey. I am trying to set up a consultation with the surgeon for this week, and intend to ask LOTS of questions.
Interestingly enough, the doctor said that the symptoms (lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, and dehydration) that caused us to first bring Moosey in are NOT caused by Conn’s. Most likely, Moosey just “had a bug.” And it was only because they performed an abdominal ultrasound that the mass was even discovered. Otherwise, we would not have known. The silver lining is that they’ve caught this early enough that many of the complications associated with Conn’s Syndrome are not yet in play.
Moosey is acting fairly normally, and is definitely happy and comfortable here at home. He is such a good boy about taking the potassium supplement (thank COD). We still have a ways to go, but at least we know what it is we’re dealing with now. Thank you all for your love, purrs, prayers, and positive thoughts and energy. Please keep them coming, because we know they are truly powerful.
