From:
<grape_apes@charter.net>
Date: 2007-06-11 18:47:18 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] spleen removal
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Hi, all. I am a little behind, but wanted to comment that if the ferret is otherwise healthy and has no surgical contraindications, removing a spleen is not an automatic death sentence, and can provide this animal with better quality of life, etc. We have removed several ferret spleens (and dogs, etc.) over the years with my boarded surgeon for cases similar to this (spleen is enlarged, reason not usually known-ferrets get big spleens often and there doesn't seem to be a definitive reason for it; sometimes there are tumors) and the ferret does great postop, and has better quality of life because they can actually walk again, etc.
That being said, there is inherent risk with any surgery, and you should decide what's best with your vet. Have another ferret available as a blood donor in case of heavy blood loss.
My Finnegan has three splenic tumors right now that are probably causing his newly-developed premature ventricular arrhythmia (which no one seems to have heard of in a ferret, but it does happen with dogs and splenic tumors) and I am likely going to have his spleen removed soon. One of my ferret clients was in recently with a ferret whose spleen was removed over a year ago and he is doing fine.
Incidentally, my mom had her spleen removed years ago, and is still alive and kicking. ;)
Best,
April (vet tech and ferret owner)
" large spleen
Posted by: "echotally" momma.allen@gmail.com echotally
Fri Jun 8, 2007 2:28 pm (PST)
I have recently rescued two more ferrets, one is a 3 year old who is
otherwise healthy but with a huge spleen, which seems to hinder him;
he will try to play and after a little while need to rest. My vet
helped me feel around the borders of the spleen and it extends from
just below his left lower rib all the way down. I am inclined to agree
that it needs to be removed but are their complications? A friend who
is very ferret knowledgable is having a fit, says that I cannot allow
it or he will not survive the surgery. Other than this he is alert,
happy, eating and drinking well."
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