From:
williamsb@comcast.net
Date: 2002-07-26 00:16:49 UTC
Subject: RE: Spleen Removal
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <7121497.1027642609144.JavaMail.root@scandium>
Author wrote:
> I
> have a 4 1/2 year old neutered male, Scooter. His spleen is extremely
> enlarged. My vet scheduled him for having his spleen removed Tuesday,
> July 30. The bloodwork had both his red and white blood cells being low.
> I know this is very serious, and I'm very worried about my little guy.
> My vet feels that he can live a normal life with out it. I wonder if
> there are any problems after removal with vaccine reactions. What can
> be done post-op to keep him comfortable?
Dear Barbara:
This is not a complicated operation and side effects are few. You very well may see him improve markedly after the removal of a very large spleen. There are no problems with vaccination down the road, and outside of the possibility of a little postoperative pain medication (which isn't always necessary), he should not experience undue post-surgical pain. In fact, this is an operation that most people say their ferrets really bounce back quickly from, as they generally feel better quickly. Imaging having a 40 pound spleen inside you!
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, dVM