From:
sharon.brown@blueyonder.co.uk
Date: 2004-11-14 21:51:17 UTC
Subject: Mast Cell Tumour
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <6657693.1100469077834.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Hi there
My 7 year old ferret has just been diagnosed as having a mast cell tumour. It is a 1/2" warty type growth on his neck which he scratches and bleeds. It has been present for over 6 months but only now has the vet decided that it is not a wound and is definately a tumour. Barney is not in great shape, he is thin (compared to what he used to be) is not good on his feet and did not do well the last time he had to have an anaesthetic. Is there any way this tumour could be removed without a general anaesthetic? Can locals and sedation be used on older animals? My vet did not mention this only that I was reluctant to put him through a general anaesthetic. I doubt that they would even try as they knocked him out to take a blood sample.
Any thoughts or ideas on how to at least keep it clean and less itchy would be most appreciated.
Sharon