Message Number: YG11404 | New FHL Archives Search
From: Betty
Date: 2002-02-23 19:55:00 UTC
Subject: Fibrosarcoma... need help

Hi all... my 11 year old female ferret recently showed signs of swelling
on the left side of her face, right under her eye. Examination of her
mouth revealed her gums were swollen and rather nasty looking (red and
purple). Teeth in the upper area were all removed leaving only her tiny
front incisors. Apparently the teeth were "swimming" not having any bone
left to sit in. Lab result of a subsequent biopsy of her gums came back
positive for fibrosarcoma. This cancer has left her eye bulging outwards
slightly. The gum area is not healing.

Considering her age and location of the cancer, what are my options?
Realistically, I know that palliative care is really all that I can
give. If I understand the disease correctly, aggressive tactics are the
only way to rid the body of this disease. I don't think I can put her
through a surgery that sounds like it would entail the removal of part
of her face. Although having her around as long as possible is my goal,
I don't know how fair it would be on her... Has there been any resent
advancements in treatment of this disease in ferrets that are affected
in the head area?

She is presently on 0.4 cc Novo-trimmel twice a day, as well as 1/8th
tablet of prednisone also twice a day. Monday my vet wants to try
putting her on sulcrafate. Is there anything else I can do for her? For
pain management? For treatment of this malignant cancer?

TIA,
hugs
betty and her blur o'fur

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