From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2005-03-18 00:39:36 UTC
Subject: Loss of upper canine tooth (old ferret with probable lymphoma)
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <20050318003936.69892.qmail@web50805.mail.yahoo.com>
Hi, everyone,
First, a huge thank you to everyone who send
condolence notes when Lady Ayeka passed away. I
haven't had either the time or the strength to thank
each and every one of you individually, but I
recognized a lot of names from the FHL and I want you
to know your thoughts and condolences were really
appreciated.
A quick summary for those who haven't read my previous
posts: Nyssa is a few weeks short of seven years old.
We have a working diagnosis of lymphoma. An aspirate
was inconclusive but her largely swollen lymph nodes
immediately went back to near normal size when she was
started on pediapred (prednisolone).
That was four months ago. About a month ago she was
doing incredibly poorly (in obvious pain, shivering
uncontrollably, refusing to eat) and our vet gave her
an injection of vetalog (anabolic steroid) and an
injection of thiamine to boost her appetite. We were
also given torbugesic to give her when she showed
signs of being in pain.
Since then she's had good days and bad, but mainly
good. The last two days she's been feeling really
puny again. She still eats well but at times can't
sleep and lies there and moans or cries and shivers.
The 0.05ml of torb and prednisolone (.27ml twice a
day, 1mg/ml concentration) just weren't helping.
Here's the weird part: yesterday I noticed her top
right canine (right fang) is missing, as in completely
gone. She still eats and today she seems to be
feeling better and resting comfortably.
Could part of her discomfort have been the tooth? Do
I need to worry about abcess or infection as one of us
humans might get when losing a tooth? Is there any
additional treatment I should ask our vet about as a
result? We have a vet appointment for Nyssa tomorrow
afternoon.
Isn't this also about when the vetalog would be
wearing off? Time for another vaccine?
I'm just trying to get ideas to discuss with the vet.
Obviously my goal is to maintain her quality of life a
bit longer. We were able to keep Lady Ayeka
(confirmed lymphoma in the GI tract) going for six
months and I'd like at least that much for Nyssa.
Input from vets and experienced ferret owners is
greatly appreciated.
All the best,
Caity and the fantastic five
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