From:
williamsb@comcast.net
Date: 2002-07-29 03:06:06 UTC
Subject: RE: malignant adenocarcinoma
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <29975525.1027911966976.JavaMail.root@scandium>
Dear Mokodi:
HOw early is early? That is a difficult question to answer, as many tumors tend to grow at different reates and there is no guarantee when Kodi's arose. However, as the signs were not far advanced, I tend to think that you have likely gotten it in time. You may want to query your vet as to whether all of it was removed, because any that was left will continue to grow into a new tumor.
Currently, there is no medication that will prevent another neoplasm from growing. About 15-20% of cases will eventually show up in both adrenals, necessitating another surgery.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams DVM
Author wrote:
> Hello all,
> My 3 year old male MF ferret (Kodi) has just had exploratory surgery because
> of his display of typical adrenal symptoms. His left adrenal was enlarged
> and removed. The pathology report came back as malignant adenocarcinoma.
> This is my first experience with a cancerous adrenal tumor. From what
> I can gather, if a malignant adenocarcinoma is caught early, the prognosis
> is pretty good, considering the fact that it "spreads" slowly. Everything
> I have read has supported that, but I do have a few questions: How early
> is early? Obviously Kodi was advanced enough to be showing the signs: his
> hair was markedly thinning, but not by any means bald; he showed aggressive
> tendancies during play; his "grooming" behaviors had become very compulsive.
> Is there anything I can do to help his chances of remaining cancer free?
> Are there any medical protocols to follow, or is it just a wait and see
> kind of thing? Any help anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated.
> mokodi3
> <a href="mailto:mokodi3@hotmail.com">mokodi3@hotmail.com</a>