From:
naturabella@stny.rr.com
Date: 2005-07-27 03:28:03 UTC
Subject: RE: question on spleen removal
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <6349431.1122434883635.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
My ferret had an enlarged spleen which was discovered at a routine vet appointment for a check up. He was 8 and 1/2 years old at the time an the vet did an x ray and ultrasound. The spleen seemed to have irregular looking margins on ultrasound and the vet said that it was likely lymphoma. She did not think it was a good idea for it to be removed.
I was worried and I got a second opinion and a splenic aspirate done by a more ferret knowledgable vet. The aspirate showed that it was not lymphoma. He showed some discomfort because his spleen was so big, so our new vet okayed the surgery to have it removed. He did fine without his spleen and he was more comfortable.
My point is that, there are other diagnostic options to check the spleen. You can start with an ultrasound, and then do an aspirate( which is when they draw some fluid from the spleen to examine the cells), and if the spleen is enlarged, to where it i s causing discomfort, and your ferret is a surgical candidate, a splenectomy is also an option.
Some vets will tell you that a ferret cannot live without their spleen( as my first vet did), but the experts will tell you differently, and I can tell you from experience that they can live just fine without them.
Most importantly, if you ever doubt your vets advice, please get a second opinion...it is the best thing I ever did for my little guy.
I wish you and your little one the best,
Tara
Author wrote:
> my ferret is 5.5 and his spleen is enlarged. he is 2 years post left adrenal surgery. he shows no apparent signs of additional adrenal problems or insulinoma. appetite, thirst, poop & pee are all normal. he's slowed down a bit from his younger days but he still dances and plays as I would expect for a 5.5 year old. the vet saw him about a month ago, felt it from outside his body and said it did not feel lumpy and bumpy, and it was best to leave it in. I recently lost another ferret to an unknown cause, and the circumstances have caused me to question the vet's advice. I am wondering what, if any, diagnostics should be done for him. also, what, if any, treatment. he's my last ferret and I'll do just about anything for him, if I just know what I should be doing. thanks for any advice or suggestions!