Message Number: YG6893 | New FHL Archives SearchFrom: tansy
Date: Sat Sep 1, 2001 10:38pm
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] Question re: fat pads
Steph, it sounds like Mikey has an infection. What
antibiotics do you have him on? Ferrets get notoriously large
lymph nodes when they have infections, so I would not be
concerned about it or do a biopsy until the infection(s) have
been under control for at least a few weeks.
Fat pads do increase and decrease in size, and are often
mistaken for enlarged lymph nodes by non-ferret knowledgable
vets.
I think you need to concentrate on the infection, and not
worry about the lymph nodes. Of course, if there is a
possibility of lymphoma then you do need a biopsy, but a
needle aspirate should work. If they are just getting fat then
they are probably biopsying a fat pad and not a lymph node!
Just as an fyi to the list, I have been treating my ferret
Ariel who was diagnosed with Lympho (through a needle
aspirate) about 2 months ago with .2 cc of Dexamethasone every
other day, and 8cc of Essiac bid. He has a large abdominal
mass, but so far he is holding his own, still eating his
crunchies as well as some soup with his Essiac. Having gone
the chemo route several times, I am really thrilled with how
well he's doing on this "low tech" approach. I know it won't
last, but it's a blessing just to see him content and
comfortable for now.
Good luck Steph!
tansy
I brought Mikey to the clinic today. The swelling in his
neck has gone down a bit, but you can still definitely feel
his lymph nodes, both there and else where in his body. His
tonsils also appear to be inflamed. He has diaherea, but I
think that is mainly due to the fact that I have not been
able to get more than A/D and baby food into him. He also
has lost 0 .1 of a pound. Blood was taken and his stool was
sent off as a precaution, due to the fact that it was
mucusy.
My question is do fat pads come and go? About 2 months ago
all of Mikey's lymph nodes down one side of his body were
enlarged. A fine needle biopsy was taken, but it was just
fat. Depending on what the bloodwork comes back as Mikey
will be knocked out to do a full biopsy .
Thank you,
Steph and Mikey
Send comments to Pam at pjdutche@email.unc.edu. Please note that this address is only useful for questions about the FHL archive. Questions about ferret health, or those intended for the FHL, should be sent to the Ferret Health List.