From:
nicole@mb-law.com
Date: 2002-07-28 19:30:38 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] malignant adenocarcinoma
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <1154213.1027884638823.JavaMail.root@scandium>
Although metastasis is rare, it does certainly happen. Snoop underwent surgery for a "routine adrenalectomy" and seemed to be recovering very well - for 2 weeks. Then he lost all use of his hind end and things went way south from there. I tried every conventional and unconventional method of treatment to keep him with me, but after more than 2 months of constant care, he let me know he couldn't do it anymore and I had to make that tough decision. Necropsy done by Dr. Williams determined that "Snoopy had metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma in multiple organs, including lung, liver, and multiple sites in the mesentery, as well as insulinoma". He crashed so quickly after the surgery that I honestly believe the theory that disturbing the systematic development of certain malignancies can sometimes make the cancer suddenly more aggressive.
I certainly do NOT want to discourge seeking appropriate medical care when a ferret is ill, and I still promote surgery as the only possible CURE for adrenal conditions, but it's good to keep in mind that sometimes, despite all the best medicines and heroic veterinary efforts, nature determines the course with a supremecy no one can counter.
~ Nicole
[not a vet]
End of ferrethealth Digest
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