From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2005-01-17 20:49:26 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Please give me your advice re: lymphoma
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <17459938.1105996067087.JavaMail.nobody@magnesium.smartgroups.com>
--- "kazpat1@juno.com" <kazpat1@juno.com> wrote:
> If all is normal in the stomach, an
> intestinal biopsy or anything found abnormal (like
> swollen lymph nodes around the intestines can be
> biopsied to confirm a diagnosis)
>
> It just would be a shame to say the ferret has not
> much time left if the true findings are something
> treatable by surgery.
Even if the ferret does have lymphoma in the GI tract
that is NOT always a quick death sentence.
Our Lady Ayeka was diagnosed with lymphoma in her GI
tract after a biopsy last August. We used pediapred
for the lymphoma and tylan mixed into Bob Church's
Chicken Gravy for a time to control her diarrhea. We
used yogurt to rebuild the flora in her stomach. We
were able to get her diarrhea from chronic to
intermittent and the gravy helped keep her weight up.
After a time we discontinued the tylan and then the
yogurt but added 1/8 tsp of additional metamucil to
her gravy. She did well until just a few days ago.
The last few days her diarrhea has been chronic and
she's cried sometimes when going to the litter pan.
She's also lost a little weight. This morning our new
vet saw her, increased her pediapred from .15ml
(1mg/ml concentration) to .2ml twice a day, and added
diarsanyl to try and help the mucosa in her intestines
and her ability to absorb nutrients. If need be we'll
start the tylan again but we're hoping the new
medication regime will be enough to control her
diarrhea again which, in turn, we hope will relieve
her discomfort/pain when pooping.
The point is that we are five plus months since
diagnosis and she is still quite active, very
affectionate, and still loves to play and wrestle. I
have no intention on giving up on her just yet. Ayeka
is almost seven years old, BTW.
Don't ever be too quick to give up on our little
weasels. They are incredibly tough and they will let
you know clearly when it's time to go.
All the best,
Caity and the fantastic four