Message Number: SG8516 | New FHL Archives SearchFrom: Mary H Parker
Date: Sun, 11 Apr 2004 09:14:48 -0400
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Subject: Kidney Cancer
Message-id: <5.1.0.14.0.20040411090538.009faec0@mail.shtc.net>
If there is truly a kidney cancer, then it will spread and eventually kill
the little one. I would opt for removing the kidney IF it can be
determined beforehand (usually through CT scans) that it hasn't already
spread to other organs. And animals should be able to function well with
only one kidney providing there is no pre-existing kidney failure
(identified by lab tests). I had a kidney removed due to kidney cancer
over two years ago, and there has been no decline in my kidney
function.....the remaining kidney just takes over and does the work of
both. And keep in mind that when a kidney is removed, the adrenal gland on
that side is also removed, and generally the remaining gland takes over and
produces the same amount of adrenal hormones as both did.
Now I am NOT a vet.....I am only a registered nurse, so I am basing my
experience and knowledge on a human model.....but in so many ways, animals
and man are very similar. So hopefully, if there isn't any spread yet,
surgery could give your furball a couple more good years.
Send comments to Pam at pjdutche@email.unc.edu. Please note that this address is only useful for questions about the FHL archive. Questions about ferret health, or those intended for the FHL, should be sent to the Ferret Health List.