From:
DaneeDV@aol.com
Date: 2003-02-01 18:54:02 UTC
Subject: Possible Laryngeal Paralysis update
To: advferret@yahoogroups.com, ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <10.2c1744a2.2b6d71ca@aol.com>
My vet and one of his associates spent quite a bit of yesterday afternoon
working on Jazzy, and did manage to see her larynx with some makeshift
equipment. However, they were unable to conclusively rule that is was or was
not laryngeal paralysis.
There are several things my vet feels it might be - in addition to laryngeal
paralysis it could be small tumors or polyps in the nasal passages or even
way back in the throat. And, being a vet, he would like me to pursue this
and determine what the cause is, although he admits there is very likely
nothing that could be done about it. Because of the very small area, surgery
would be a great risk, even if we could find a specialist with the right
equipment that was willing to try, especially because she is older, and has
been ADV+ for over 3 years.
The next step, if I decide to pursue it, would be to take her to a vet with
an endoscope, and have him use it to check out the nasal passages and throat
area. I am a little torn on what to do. The procedure would be expensive,
but it isn't the cost alone that is stopping me - it is that even with
knowing, there would not be much we could do. For now, it doesn't seem to
bother her. She eats and plays, and doesn't appear to be having trouble
breathing. I would prefer to use my money for things that I know might
provide her with help, or any of my other ferrets with help. I feel like
knowing the cause of this sound might only allow me to have a better idea of
what might be down the road for her. Money spent learning the cause of the
problem would not be wasted, as something could be learned for future use.
But, I don't know if it is the most prudent use of my money right now.
Again, anyone that has had a ferret with anything similar, I am open to
suggestions or insights. The noise is definitely originating in her
throat/neck area, and not the chest or abdomen. And for now, I am feeling
some relief, as before I was concerned it was her lungs, and was a heart
problem or a lung cancer.
Danee
ADV - If your ferret hasn't been tested, you don't know!
For more information visit: <A HREF="http://www.geocities.com/russiansmom">http://www.geocities.com/russiansmom</A>
End of ferrethealth Digest
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