From:
Jen & Andre
Date: 2002-01-06 00:24:00 UTC
Subject: Could this be hyperthyroidism?
Newton is still hanging on. We thought she had lymphoma, but
because of the stress of the exams and the Dr's confidence
that it would be found to be cancer we never took her back for
further testing to tell for sure. Her condition gradually got
worse and worse to the point that she couldn't walk, but for
some reason (maybe the increased feedings I have been giving
her) she is quite a bit better and is walking quite well now
(although she still knuckles her hind feet). She's alert,
active and wants out of her cage frequently.
When the doctor was performing the FNA under general
anesthetic she poised the needle over a large lump in Newton's
neck then withdrew stating that she wasn't confident that the
lump wasn't her thyroid (as opposed to lymph node) and didn't
take a sample from it. Newton's lymph nodes all over are quite
large, and she's thin as a rake. The FNA's turned up nothing
but we treated her as if it were lymphoma (prednisone .8 ml
2x/day)
She eats a lot, and I supplement her with all the a/d she will
take (via seringe and in a dish) but she still seems to be
losing weight. I have begun to wonder if it is hyperthyroidism
instead of (or as well as?) lymphoma. I checked my Merck
manual and she has shown almost all of the symptoms listed for
it. (weight loss, increased appetite, polydipsia, polyuria,
enlargement of 'a gland' in her neck, tachycardia, murmurs,
dyspnea, the rads appeared to show cardiomegaly although US
looked normal). I posted her lab results a while back but
could again if they would be helpful.
Would a hyperthyroid ferret have enlarged lymph nodes and
spleen? Is this worth pursuing? Is hyperthyroidism easily
diagnosed/treated? Would this have shown up on her bloodwork?
Hopefully someone can help me with this, I do not have access
to a ferret knowledgeable vet aside from this list.
Thank you,
Jen