From:
tansy
Date: 2001-09-01 22:38:00 UTC
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