Message Number: SG8484 | New FHL Archives Search
From: "Sue Liszewski"
Date: 2004-04-06 02:56:50 UTC
Subject: RE: [ferrethealth] 8 year old ferret- should I risk surgery?
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <BAY15-F30d6QR7j1HaK0003e8e5@hotmail.com>

If the tumor is large and growing it will eventually (sooner rather then
later) cost your little girl her life, the surgery may take her sooner but
give her a chance to live longer. It is a touch decision. I did one on a
younger girl but the tumor was growing quickily and was actually in the
mesentery and difficult to remove. Based on where it was it would affect
everything else. The surgery went well with minimal blood loss, but she
went into shock and we did lose her to shock. I think the tumor itself had
a very large blood supply and her body had trouble compensating. I had no
doubt based on the size of the toumor and the fact that it almost doubled in
size in a week and she would have been lost from the tumor within a few
weeks. So do you do it know the risks, that is a personal decision. And
you are right you want to do it when she is in the best possible shape to
recover. I don't know ask your vet how s/he feels about the rate of growth
and timing if you don't go forward. Good luck to you.

Dr. Sue

>From: Erynn Dalton <erynn@32k.com>
>Reply-To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
>To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
>Subject: [ferrethealth] 8 year old ferret- should I risk surgery?
>Date: Mon, 05 Apr 2004 13:22:37 -0400
>
>Hi all,
>
>I have an 8 year old girl in relatively good health who receives monthly
>Lupron shots (and has been for 2 years). She has grown a tumor in her
>belly (it has gotten to a size big enough to see) which may be hindering
>defecation (she whines a bit every time she goes). My vet has suggested
>removing the tumor, but warns me that she is of a dangerous age for
>surgery. On one hand, I believe I should have the tumor removed,
>especially since she is in good health right now and I don't want her to
>be in pain, but on the other hand, she is at a much higher risk to pass
>away from the operation due to her advanced age. Do I take my chances
>and try to have the tumor removed to make her more comfortable, or do I
>leave the tumor alone?
>
>I would greatly appreciate any advice!
>
>Erynn
>
>
>
>
>
>
>--
>If you want to share pictures, use the calendar, or start a vote
>visit http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/ferrethealth
>
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