From:
AFERRETVET@cs.com
Date: 2005-07-30 19:05:03 UTC
Subject: Re:enlarged spleen=pooping alot
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <df.1886016e.301d295f@cs.com>
Hi Amanda,
Yes, the spleen will enlarge with a chronic illness
(such as adrenal disease, insulinoma, ulcers, heart disease, etc).
In most cases the spleen is compensating for the illness
and is making red blood cells (extramedullary hematopoiesis).
If the spleen becomes enlarged enough to cause pain, limit
activity level, or cause constipation then it is time to remove
the spleen. Ferrets do just fine without a spleen, and they do not
have an increase in bacterial infections after removal like people
do. If your ferret is stable enough for surgery, then it is time to
consider removing his spleen.
BTW they took my spleen out when I was 3 years old.
Hope that helps,
Jerry Murray, DVM