From:
ferret_mommie@yahoo.com
Date: 2004-12-30 19:53:42 UTC
Subject: Ferret with probable tumors
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <1066573.1104436422511.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Thanks for the response. I guess no one really knows about Essiac, since so many ferret owners use it in conjunction with other meds.
My girl is feeling a lot better today. She was jumping up for her breakfast, etc., which is good. She's still not eating kibble or drinking on her own, though.
I did remember/pick up two tricks: 1) Sometimes a sick ferret will eat kibbles from your hand, if they won't eat them otherwise. This used to work with an older ferret of mine who passed last year, and it worked "so so" with Griselda last night. 2) Having a little competition makes Griselda more interested in her baby food. If I put another ferret with her at the plate at first, she starts eating more readily.
My vet seemed absolutely certain that Griselda has tumors, through the palpation. He's known Griselda for over a year. He said that there were options, such as exploratory surgery, but didn't recommend them. I could take her back for a biopsy, etc., but I wonder what good that would do? If she does have tumors, I'm not going to put her frail little body through surgery. If it's not, then I guess she'd be OK anyway without surgery. But what else could it be? Shouldn't I trust the years of medical school, experience, and time put in at conferences, etc.?
Is it possible to break the tumors up without surgery, like they do with kidney stones in humans now?
What should I expect to pay for bloodwork, ultrasound, and / or biopsy? Does the animal have to be put "out" for biopsy?
My vet is away until after New Year's, BTW, or I'd just ask him for prices (but I'd still like to know if his prices are in line with the "norm").
Thanks for any replies at all,
Staci