From:
"M. Michaela Maurice, DVM"
Date: 2007-09-24 05:56:24 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Lymph fluid in abdomen
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
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
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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