From:
jaime_wolf@rocketmail.com
Date: 2003-08-09 05:35:26 UTC
Subject: what signs to look for for ruptured spleen? (was RE: Need help with diagnosis- does anyone know these symptoms?)
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <29310343.1060428231185.JavaMail.nobody@chromium.smartgroups.com>
Peanut has lymphoma, we found out today. She is stable at home after 2 days in ICU during which time she definitely perked up on fluids and prednisone. Eating well, still on prednisone and antibiotics now. She has an enormous spleen that is making her very uncomfortable. We have surgery scheduled for Monday to take it out, but I'm worried about the possibility of her spleen rupturing before then (I know about other things to look for which would indicate an emergency; so far she isn't showing any of those signs and although uncomfortable, doesn't seem to be in obvious pain)- this is one thing the vet didn't really mention.
The vet we talked to today said she'll probably be fine til then Monday, and although she is capable of doing the surgery and has operated on ferrets, advised we wait til then b/c we do have a very good ferret surgeon. We'd like to wait for Dr. XXXX too, but I'm concerned about her spleen between now and then. My question is: what do I look for in terms of a spleen rupture? It is so big I just am worried. We are keeping her confined to her cage, trying to make it as easy as possible for her to reach everything she needs w/out moving too much. I know to limit her movement, not squeeze her, etc. If the spleen ruptured would there be a lot of bruising? It already is visible as a faint bluish color under her skin so I will keep checking it to see if the color has changed- can anyone give me some specific signs to watch for?
Also, has anyone out there had experience with lymphoma and prednisone treatment? We've decided chemo is too traumatic and invasive and will go with just prednisone (btw, she's 6 and has been otherwise healthy until now). I'm just wondering if anyone has or knows of a ferret who did well (or didn't do well) on pred- what their quality of life was, how long they lived, etc. We'd like to keep her with us as long as we can- but only if she's not in pain and isn't debilitated.
thanks much,
Jaime