From:
caitlynmaire@earthlink.net
Date: 2002-06-10 20:10:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Hind Leg Paralysis - need help!
Hi, Chris,
>
> She basically gave me a death sentence for my ferret, offering no
> treatment options except for steroids
>
> Please help!! I am going to get her a second opinion with another
> knowlegable vet and have the mass biopsied to confirm or deny Lympho.
>
> Any other thoughts or suggestions?
It seems to me you are doing the right thing. A second or even a third
opinion is in order. Assume your vet is correct that this has to be
resolved (possibly surgically) within 72 hours and do it as soon as you
can.
FWIW, when an emergency vet (who happens to be very ferret
knowledgeable) saw Pertwee as he was sliding downhill he gave him little
or no chance. When my vet was running out of ideas he recommended I get
a second opinion. That opinion turned out to be a death sentence for
Pertwee. My vet didn't accept it and did an exploratory surgery. That
surgery resulted in the removal of a diseased kidney. Pertwee
recovered. It's been more than two years and he's still here, happy and
bouncy.
We reached the same point with Ryo-Ohki. My vet found lots of tumors
throughout her little body. We didn't let her wake up from surgery. We
said goodbye to our little silver girl.
My point: maybe your vet is right and you have to prepare yourself to
say goodbye to Belle. Then again, maybe not. A second or third opinion
is going to cost a little money. At least, if Belle does pass, you will
have the piece of mind in knowing you did everything and anything
possible. OTOH, you may just save her life. Either way, I think you
are doing the right thing for Belle and for yourself.
Here's hoping the second vet has a better idea. Here's hoping Belle is
your Pertwee.
All the best,
Caity