From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2005-02-14 15:38:41 UTC
Subject: Non-narcotic painkillers for ferrets with late stage lymphoma
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <17089909.1108398494104.JavaMail.nobody@strontium.smartgroups.com>
Hi, everyone,
Nyssa is a nearly seven year old extra large spayed
female ferret. We are going with a working diagnosis
of lymphoma/lymphosarcoma. While an aspirate of her
lymph nodes in November was inconclusive she had very
swollen lymph nodes on her neck which responded almost
immediately to pediapred.
Nyssa is on .28ml of pediapred (1mg/ml concentration)
twice a day. We've tried going higher but it causes
severe diarrhea for her. Her energy level is low and
she is in obvious pain or discomfort some of the time.
She also has tender spots and will cry out if she is
held the wrong way or puts pressure in the wrong
places. Her quality of life is disappearing rapidly
and I will not let her suffer. She still has a good
appetite and is maintaining her weight.
Our new vet doesn't believe going to another, stronger
steroid (i.e.: dexamethasone) will help since the pred
has kept her previously swollen lymph nodes at normal
size. I raised the issue of pain killers and he said
the ones that he knows are safe for ferrets have a
sedative effect. That would take away what joy in
life is left to Nyssa when she is feeling better.
Does anyone have a suggestion for a non-narcotic,
non-sedative painkiller? Our vet is researching this
as well and any suggestions will be shared with him.
Thanks in advance,
Caity and the super six