From:
williamsb@comcast.net
Date: 2002-07-14 01:54:23 UTC
Subject: RE: Osteosarcoma/carcinoma -advice, please
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <22856234.1026611663758.JavaMail.root@scandium>
Author wrote:
> As anyone on the FML knows, my 2 yr 7 mo old MF ferret Max has just been
> found to have an inoperable nickel-sized osteosarcoma or osteocarcinoma
> (no biopsy so not sure which) in his jaw.
Dear Melissa:
Actually, squamous cell carcinoma is the most likely culprit here - have not seen any osteosarcomas of the jaw. Jaw tumors are almost exclusively squamous cell carcinomas. These tumors are generally slow growing, and result in significant deformity. Chemotherapy or radiation has not shown to be effective - early surgical excision is the only effective treatment. AT this point, we are likely past that, and only rmoval of half of the lower jaw would stop the process.
Over time, you may see tooth loss, difficulty eating, and some get to the point where the jaw breaks at the site of the tumor, as it is so weakened.
You should look for drooling and hesitancy to eat as signs that you may want to step in....these tumors can be painful (any tumor in the bone is painful - so don't prolong euthanasia too long after you get the idea that he may have pain in his mouth.
with kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM