Message Number: SG16352 | New FHL Archives Search
From: Jen Phillips
Date: 2006-01-08 06:41:23 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Lymphoma (was Big Belly)
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com

After taking Fria to 3 different vets, getting 2 x-rays and 3
ultrasounds, we have finally gotten some answers. Sadly, it looks like
my baby likely has Lymphoma. She has a large mass in her abdomen, in
the area of her Mesenteric lymph node. She also has a suspected mass
near her heart, most likely in relation to her Mediastinal Node. Her
right kidney is also enlarged. She also has a mild case of fluid around
her bronchials. A high frequency grade 2/6 systolic murmur was detected
by 2 of the vets, although it was hard for either vet to hear.

I have some pretty clear images of her x-ray and ultrasound images if
anyone wants to see them.

Fria's x-ray:
http://www.hideyhole.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=coppermine&file=displayimage&album=27&pos=0

Ultrasound of the mass
http://www.hideyhole.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=coppermine&file=displayimage&album=27&pos=2

Ultrasound of the mass & kidney:
http://www.hideyhole.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=coppermine&file=displayimage&album=27&pos=3

Ultrasound of Fria's Spleen:
http://www.hideyhole.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=coppermine&file=displayimage&album=27&pos=1

She was put on Prednisolone (1mg/ml), and gets 1.5ml every 12 hours for
3 days, then 1.1ml every 12 hours for 3 days, and 1.1ml once per day
indefinitely. This was mainly a trial run to see if she responded to
the treatment, which we began Thursday. He also put her on
Metronidazole (50mg/ml) at .35ml every 12 hours for 10 days, to help
with any intestinal inflammation that may be causing the constant
diarrhea. After a re-check Saturday, which included an ultrasound,
there was no change in the size of the mass. The vet said if we were
going to see any improvement, we would have seen it by now.

She'll be going back on Monday for exploratory surgery so that the mass
can be biopsied for a definitive diagnosis before we move on to more
aggressive treatment. At this point, this is all very scary and
upsetting. We really don't know what to expect. I read the article at
Miami Ferret as well as one at Dr. Bruce Williams site, which were both
helpful, but I'd like more info if it's available.

Are there certain methods of treatment that are preferred? And is
treatment just going to make her feel terrible for a prolonged period of
time, or does quality of life often improve? How long do ferrets
usually live with Lymphoma?

Any help, suggestions, or ideas are most appreciated. I just want
what's best for my dear Fria.

Thanks,
Jen

--
Happy Dookin',
The Hidey Hole Gang - http://www.hideyhole.org/
Jen, Mike & The Critters
The Ferrets - Loki, Fria, Vivi & Duke
The Rats - Ruby, Selphie, Boo, Rikku & Trillian
Missing Jamocha (ferret), Algernon, Plato & Mystique(rats),
Punk (hedgehog) & Dixie (chicken)




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