From:
"Sukie Crandall"
Date: 2007-09-24 03:19:23 UTC
Subject: Re: Lymph fluid in the abdomen
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
CARRIED POST FROM VETERINARIAN
My apologies.
When i was approving this post my finger slipped on the touchpad and it wound up
accidently rejected.
So, I am carrying it here for the vet who so kindly sent it.
----
BEGIN carried post:
From: "M. Michaela Maurice, DVM"
Dear Paty,
Lymph fluid in the abdomen is called "Chylous Ascites" (This may help your internet
search):
Ascites simply refers to abnormal fluid in the abdomen, and Chylous characterizes the
nature of the fluid. Chyle is the mixture of emulsified fats and lymph fluid that is taken up
by the lymphatic system from the small intestine during digestion, and Chylous fluid has
some specific characteristics (color, protein content, specific gravity, and cell number/
type).
Any disruption of
the thoracic (chest) or intestinal (abdominal) lymphatics could result
in a leakage of lymph fluid into the abdominal cavity.
The three most likely causes in a 2 year-old ferret would include: traumatic injury,
inflammation, and obstruction - mostly commonly due to neoplasia -benign or malignant,
with Juvenile Lymphoma being a strong possibility.
The relatively sudden and recent nature of the onset could be accounted for by all three.
Did she have any traumatic incidents/accidents? Is she displaying any other signs/
symptoms? ie. any changes in energy level, respiration/breathing, eating/drinking,
sleeping/playing, urinating/defecating, etc. ? (or is she otherwise her normal self?)
Are all the results from the various testing/diagnostics in? ie: Are there any other
abnormalities that might help shed some light on the situation? What was the nature of
the cells found in the lymph fluid that was removed?
I would suggest first ruling-in/out lymphoma with an aspirate or biopsy (not bloodwork).
In this case (I assume no enlarged lymph nodes were found, and no obvious organ is
affected), it would seem that the best location for that would be a visceral organ such as
the spleen.
In addition, If possible, I would keep an eye on her weight (weigh her daily at the same
time) to see if the fluid leakage continues to exceed the body's ability for resorption, (or if
it decreases or maintains). (both for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, as well as
potential further issues that could arise).
I hope this information is helpful.
Dr. Meesh
a.k.a. meesh, meeshmeesh, M. Michaela Maurice, D.V.M.
If one advances confidently in the direction of their dreams,
and endeavors to lead a life which they have imagined,
They will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.
Henry David Thoreau
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