Message Number: SG6557 | New FHL Archives Search
From: <caitlyn@mizuhoradio.com>
Date: 2003-11-07 16:59:20 UTC
Subject: RE: [ferrethealth] Swollen area on right side of tummy-What is it?
To: <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
Cc: <sbougher2@msn.com>
Message-ID: <18856.155.226.255.42.1068224360.squirrel@www.mizuhoradio.com>

> Is it rare for such a young ferret to
> have cancer? (He will be three in a couple of weeks.)

First off, the word "cancer" is thrown around the ferret community very
casually. Many growths aren't carcinomas.

I hate to say it, but three isn't all that young for a carcinoma. Pertwee
had an adrenal carcinoma when he was one and another shortly thereafter.
Ryo-Ohki had an adrenal carcinoma at two, a second at three, and metastasis
that killed her by three and a half. From what I've heard from many other
ferret owners, it's all too common, especially with adrenal carcinomas.

The good news is that even if it is a carcinoma it may be operable and your
ferret may live for many years to come. Pertwee lived for another four
years. Nyssa, now five and a half, has gone two years since pathology on
her left adrenal gland showed a carcinoma. She's fine and has had no other
health problems.

The usual disclaimer applies: I am not a vet, just a moderately experienced
ferret owner.

All the best,
Caity and the ever-playful eight