From:
"Sue Liszewski"
Date: 2003-12-13 21:52:29 UTC
Subject: RE: [ferrethealth] Folow-up tests - enlarged spleen advice
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <LAW12-F71HBbP4fKBHF00036c2e@hotmail.com>
I would treat with antibiotics, since the spleen acts like a filter and is
part of the immune defense it might help. With the anemia the spleen could
be pulling reds cells out of the bloodstream and contribute to this,
although the anemia is usu far more significant. I would watch to be
certain anemia is not worsening and try antibiotics. If anemia
progressively worsens, I would consider removing it. Good Luck.
Dr. Sue
>From: zodanga1@yahoo.com
>Reply-To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
>To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
>Subject: [ferrethealth] Folow-up tests - enlarged spleen advice
>Date: Sat, 13 Dec 2003 19:56:44 +0000 (GMT)
>
>Hi all..sorry for the long post. I'm including my original msg. with the
>latest test results included. Any additional input is apprecaited.. Thank
>you.
>
>My sweet boy, Chunk (who is about 2 yrs old), has an enlarged
>speen...around 4x normal size. We took him for check up because he is
>somewhat (about 1/4 to 1/2??) more lethargic and less playful then usual.
>He also seems to make a lot of trips to the poopy box yet not always
>actually going (yes he does go at times and goes very well thank you..so
>not to worried about blockage). I guess having an enlarged spleen gives him
>a full/gotta go feeling..like in human males with enlarged prostrates. I
>know enlarged spleens are fairly common (but enlarged by how much I don't
>know??)...and helobractor/lingering infection is sometimes the cause (but
>would it make it 4x??). So went to vet and she diagnosed enlarged spleen
>via palpation and x-ray (x-ray showed spleen to look pretty normal..just
>large..but filing up most of abdominal cavitiy and folding over/around
>organs). Also got lot of blood test (results below). He has also had a
>ultrasound and 3 needle biopsys - all of which came back normal. Lastly, no
>helobactor was found on the bacterilogical test.
>
>Blood work has some readings off but only thing vet concerned of was he a
>bit enemic (yes, I now have him on vitamins-B and iron-supplementation (but
>again, how much to give?? - he is getting about 18-20 mg a day atm and is
>starting to seem more active). Here are the readings:
>
>Glucose: 123 (high)
>Ulrea Nitrogen 27
>Creatinine 0.4
>Total Protein 6.3
>Albumin 3.1
>Total Bilirubin 0.2
>Alkaline Phosphatase 82 (high)
>ALT 117
>AST 78
>Calcium 8.8
>Phosphorus 4.8
>Sodium 154
>Potassium 4.7
>Chloride 124 (high)
>Albumim/Globulin ratio 1.0
>Globulin 3.2
>Lipase 286
>Amylase 18
>CPK 207
>Uric Acid 1.5
>Pre meal bile acid 25.1
>Occult Heartworm antigen - negative
>Microfilaria - negative
>Hemoglobin 13.6
>Hematocrit 38.7 (low)
>WBC 4.7
>RBC 8.64
>MCV 45 (low)
>MCH 15.7
>MCHC 35.1
>Platelet count 309
>Platelet esitmate - adequate
>Neutrophils 1692 / 36%
>Bands 0 / 0%
>Lymphocytes 2632 / 56%
>Monocytes 235 / 5%
>Eosinophils 94 / 2%
>Basophils 47 / 1%
>
>Any suggestions/personal experiences/recomendations? Wait and see? Treat
>for infection and anemia and hope it shrinks? Remove the spleen? I want
>whatever is best for him...keeping his quality of life, activity level and
>life expectancy. I can't bear to lose him or see him hurt/uncomfy. :-(
>
>Thank you very much!!! :-)
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>--
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>
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