From:
dr_bruce_williams
Date: 2002-01-19 00:00:00 UTC
Subject: Re: split spleen and lymphosarcoma
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "Don Dittman" <ddittman@c...> wrote:
> 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...
Dear Laurel:
This sounds like there has been a previous rupture of the spleen.
These are occasionally seen, and surprisingly, most don't bleed to
death. The chance of fatal hemorrhage probably increases with
enlarged spleens, in which splenic vessels are widely dilated by
congestion. In many cass of splenic rupture, you will see little
seeds of the spleen thoroughout the adjacent tissue (so-called
daughter spleens or splenosis) which function like tiny independent
spleens.
Regarding what to expect with lymphoma - it is very difficult to say
exactly what will happen. Some animals have a prolonged existence,
and some a quick demise. Some may go quietly in their sleep without
premonitory signs.
Older animals with swollen lymph nodes generally have the lymphocytic
form of lymphoma which has both good and bad points. The good point
is that this is the form with the longest average lifespan, and some
animals last over a year with no treatment. The other side of the
coin is that these mature neoplastic lymphocytes are the least
responsive to prednisone administration. As you can tell, with such
polarized possibilities, it is very difficult to predict what is
going to happen here.
With kindest regards,
bruce Williams, DVM