From:
"mustelidmusk"
Date: 2009-05-10 14:22:29 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Need Vet Help - Mesenteric cysts?
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Hi,
I'm adding more questions here since I've been searching high and low for info about mesenteric cysts in ferrets. I'm hoping a vet or someone else with information can respond with even a tiny bit of insight. I realize that the term "mesenteric cyst" is rather vague, and there are probably quite a few possible "things' that can be found in the mesentery that don't really belong there. However, every abnormal "thing" that I've heard of in the ferret meesentery in most undesireable and typically equates to lymphoma and/or cancers of unknown origin, mesothelioma, etc. (All very ugly). In short, in short, I'm wondering why the vet would say that these cysts are not an issue. I would think that the only way to determine what thes things are is to biopsy them.
I will most likely be returning to the same hopital for more information. However, the vet is at the university, and the drive requires I take an entire day off from work (and lose pay for this while spending a whole lot more.) As such, I prefer to go to the appointment as an informed client so I can ask reasonably intelligent questions and hopefully understand the answers - LOL!!! Worse yet, I'm really at a loss here because I would normally have these cysts removed (if possible) ASAP. But with the adrenal being so early, removal ofthe gland at this point in time my be premature. It may be (but probably unlikely) that we're dealing with hyperplastic adrenal tissue that may resolve with lupron alone. ANd removal of one gland might possibley place stress the second gland sooner than necessary. I'd like to give the body a chance to heal if it can do so. (And yes, we plan to continue with Lupron whether or not the gland is removed.)
So, here are yet even more questions in addition to those previously posted. Angain, ANY insight wll be EXTREMELY helpful to me, even if it's just more questions I can ask when I return for the next visit.
1. Why might the vet think the cysts are nothing to worry about based upon ultrasound?
2. Is there a pressing need to biopsy and/or remove the cysts now rather tan later?
Many apologies upfront for being such a pain-in-the-butt with all these questions and no data. Even a little bit of insight will help a lot since I really prefer to put my ferret through one major surgery rather than two. At te same tim, I don't want to remove an adrenal gland too soon.
Many Thanks in advance!!!
-jennifer
--- In ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com, "mustelidmusk" <mustelidmusk@...> wrote:
>
> Hello,
> We did an ultrasound om my 4-yr. old, late-alter sprite who has very, very early adrenal disiease, which I "detected" based upon her behavioral change this Spring(a little more "licking behavior" than ususual) She also had a non-adrenalish (assymetrical) shedding which fillied in (thick fur) on its own within a week, and no other symptoms whatsoever. The disease was confirmed by the Tennessee panel (her estradiol was slightly elevated, other parameters were normal.) Her CBC was also normal (good blood glucose), and she appears to be as healthy/strong as a little ox with tiny lymph nodes and tiny spleen :)
>
> The adrenals appeared normal in the ultrasound (I'm fully aware that normal-sized adrenals an be hideously diseased!) In any event, the ultrasound revealed several "large" cysts in the mesentary. The vet stated that the cysts wouldn't bother her, so I need not worry.
>
> Being a paranoid ferret mom, I'm seeking all possible info. on mesenteric cysts. The plan (so far) is to treat the adrenal with Lupron and repeat both the UT panel and ultrasound 2 - 3 times per year to monitor hormones levels and ultrasound changes. Since my girl is in excellent health, I currently see no reason to rush her in for surgery for either adrenals or mesenteric cysts until I have some information regarding the items below and/or see some progression/advancement in disease or decline in apparent health.
>
> 1. What causes mesenteric cysts in ferrets?
> 2. How common is this in ferrets?
> 3. Do we have any "real/solid info" on mesenteric cysts in ferrets?
> 4. What are the potential risks of leaving them alone?
> 6. What surgical options (resection? aspiration?) might be available, and what are the associated risks?
> 7. Any other allopathic or non-traditional treatments? If so, what are the associated risks?
>
> Please let me know if you have any experience and/or information on mesenteric cysts in ferrets. I'm all ears!
>
> Many Thanks,
> -jennifer
>
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