From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2004-04-11 00:35:37 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] 8 year old ferret- should I risk surgery?
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <28259286.1081645433535.JavaMail.nobody@strontium.smartgroups.com>
Hi, Erynn, and everyone else,
Our Podo had insulinoma surgery at age eight. Our vet
didn't like the idea but sicne pred wasn't working he
had to do something. The surgery was successful
(though Podo's heart did stop when he woke up and he
had to be resucitated) and Podo is still here and
happy more than a year and a half later.
My take on surgery on elderly ferrets is that you do
it when no other good options remain. Yes, the risks
are very high at that age. If surgery means a chance
for life and no surgery means death then it becomes a
worthwhile risk.
FWIW, our vet just recently did a successful surgery
to remove a mass as well as left afrenal surgery on a
nine and a half year old ferret belonging to a local
club member. That old girl is still here and has
recovered beautifully.
The usual disclaimer applies: I am not a vet, nor do
I play one on TV.
All the best,
Caity and the six wonder weasels
End of ferrethealth Digest
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