From:
s.m.owens@rogers.com
Date: 2004-02-22 16:07:14 UTC
Subject: lymphoma vs. infection - enlarged lymph nodes
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <5821297.1077466034777.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Hi everyone.
I've got a 2 and a half year old girl going in for a biopsy tomorrow. All of her lymph nodes (2 at the neck, under armpits, behind back legs)are enlarged and we decided it best to have the biopsy done to find out exactly what's going on. He couldn't feel her spleen because she's a real chubby kid.
I had noticed these "pockets" on both sides of her neck about 3 or 4 weeks ago, and thought they were simply fat pockets but I still watched her closely. I then noticed her activity level decreasing almost 2 weeks ago, and it had gotten to the point that last Monday she ate and went under the dresser the rest of the time until she went to sleep. She was becoming completely withdrawn. This went on until Wednesday at which time I called to make a vet appt. for Saturday. My vet is leaning towards Lymphoma based on the enlarged nodes, and her being withdrawn. He's not entirely ruling out ?systemic infection?, but because her appetite is still good it goes back to the "C" word. Here's my confusion:
Her appetite or thirst hasn't changed at all, regular bowel movements, no weight loss, no hair loss - everything's the same except decreased activity level and enlarged nodes.
On Thursday morning, she started becoming active again. Her activity levels have continued to increase. Yesterday morning, evening and this morning she was up - bouncing off the walls - back to her usual self.
I've tried researching the archives for behavioural and appetite changes regarding lymphoma and chronic infection (where nodes are enlarged) and could only find info on severe cases. I'm wanting to know what happened BEFORE it got to that point. How the ferret was behaving and eating leading up to the "emergency".
Is it possible for a ferret to have this type of infection, but continue to have a good appetite? Has anyone ever had a ferret with lymphoma who's activity level dropped, only to spike back up again without the help of any meds?
If anyone could help us out, I'd really appreciate it. I don't care if it's direct emails detailing their personal experiences or if it's one of the vet's sharing their knowledge. All I know is that the more information I can get, the more prepared I will be when it comes to making any decisions.
Truly grateful,
Suzanne & Sneakers