From:
FHbytheSea@aol.com
Date: 2002-11-05 11:49:37 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] surgery for lymphoma ferret?
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <45.1fb344cf.2af90a51@aol.com>
In a message dated 11/4/02 8:07:12 PM Eastern Standard Time,
ferretwise@ferretwise.org writes:
<< What is the state of Diana's immune system currently?
Do they track it like in humans- had the vet run a CBC? >>
Diana has a CBC run every time prior to her chemotherapy treatments -
specifically watching her red and white cell counts. We can't administer a
treatment if her white count is too low, so yes we track it each time. She
has had 2 occasions in the past where her white count was below the level
that the vet could safely administer the treatment and we waited a week.
She does still take her maintenance daily dose of prednisolone, 1/4 of a 5mg
tab once a day.
I haven't had a chance to discuss this with my vet yet - our next appt is
11/12 and I will be talking with him about it - I am interested in what the
professionals here think about her situation. She is only 5 and is active and
playful. I understand the risks associated with surgery - but I also know
that surgical intervention is the only shot at curing adrenal gland disease.
I am looking long term - since it appears that she continues to respond to
her treatments that she may have a close to normal lifespan - say 7 years and
I would like her to be as comfortable as possible.
Lisa Leidig, Head Ferret
The Ferret Haven "By-the-Sea"
www.ferrethaven.org