From:
Sukie Crandall
Date: 2002-01-16 21:34:00 UTC
Subject: split spleen and lymphosarcoma
--
Laurel, when Meeteetse got lymphoma in her old age we found that
Prednisone and opiates (once it became obviously painful) were great
helps. She was able to live life longer and far more fully than one
would have expected, with those and with some mobility aids (Her's
got into neurological tissue and was affecting her rear leg use.).
They can be very useful quality of life medications. She did not get
dopey from her opiates, BTW, they just all went toward controlling
her pain.
I have heard someone years back on the FML (or perhaps before it --
though I think it was on the FML) who mentioned a ferret with a split
spleen who also lived through it and no one knew when it had
happened. I can't recall if anyone replied then with any similar
cases. Do recall that there was a great deal of shock about it
having survived.
---
First of all the split spleen. Franny Ferret had an exploratory done
for probable insulinoma or adrenal tumor. When the dr opened her up
he found a small piece of spleen with the edges healed but frayed
where it had been ripped apart. As he explored more closely he found
the matching piece of spleen. Because he could see the tattered edges
he knew it was not a birth defect. It is now two healed working
spleens so he left them alone. He said she should have bled to death
when that happened though. Anybody ever heard of such a thing before?
now for the second part, once he looked closely there were tumors
everywhere so rather than remove some and cause her more shock to her
system he just closed her up. Right now I am not giving her any meds.
She is almost seven and actually looks good although you can feel her
swollen glands. She has gained a quarter pound since surgery and he
is seeing her once a month. What does the future hold? Before the
surgery she had episodes of going limp and glassy eyed. Since I'm
giving her frequent feedings of duck soup she has not had any more
episodes. I'd appreciate hearing anyone's experiences as I need to
prepare myself. Feel free to email to my own address
ddittman@c...
Thanks,
Laurel