From:
"Tressie"
Date: 2009-03-04 12:26:28 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Splenectomy
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Hi Karen,
I have a 4 year-old who underwent a splenectomy January 30th. He also had a large tumor removed that was attached to the spleen - miraculously turned out to be benign.
Sampson has isulinoma and has had ongoing various sorts of infections. He came in as a rescue in August very, very ill. Just giving the background because it has taken him a long time to recover from this surgery. He became allergic to the antibiotics and pain medication he was on after the surgery, which really set him back. We don't know whether having the spleen removed was the last insult to his already poor immune system and now he has developed drug allergies.
In terms of the specific effects of having his spleen removed, he became anemic. We had considered a blood transfusion if he got worse but he stabilized. So we are monitoring his hematocrit and PCV carefully. He goes in on Thursday again to see if he's still anemic. Last check it wasn't worse but neither had it improved but good thing is that his bone marrow appears to be working fine and he is making his own blood.
However, this fuzzkid has had numerous ongoing problems since he arrived and your guy may sail through no problem. Thing to watch for is the anemia. The spleen contains lots of blood.
Good luck and best wishes for a speedy recovery for your little one.
Tressie
--- In ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com, "Karen McCabe" <cinnamon_sprite@...> wrote:
>
>...
> I know that ferrets can do very well without a spleen. My question, which I neglected to ask my vet, is will he have any special needs following the surgery? Will he need to be on any meds? What, if any, risks does he face living without a spleen? Anything else I should know about caring for a spleen less (spleen free?) ferret?
>
> I've been through a good number of surgeries with my kids but this will be my first splenectomy. I would appreciate knowing what to expect following the surgery.
>
> Karen McCabe
> http://www.cinnamonsprite.net
>
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