Message Number: FHL8943 | New FHL Archives Search
From: "hippistyl"
Date: 2009-05-14 03:40:24 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: ferret with spinal problems
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com

I wanted to give an update on my boy that cannot walk very well that we thought may have spinal problems.

After having little change and further vet visit, another xray, the vet determined he had a large mass in his abdominal cavity. After hearing more about his difficulty in getting around, thoughts of surgery became more questionable. I decided to get an ultrasound because I was concerned he might have a spinal tumor, and abdominal surgery would then not be as effective. The ultrasound revealed a number of tumors in his abdominal cavity. My vet indicated it would not be something we would operate on. He's done numerous surgeries for my ferrets in the past, so I think this may just be too advanced to try and remove surgically.

He doesn't vocalize or cry out, doesn't seem to be in pain from what we can tell, he just seems uncomfortable. Perhaps something is pressing on his organs or something that causes enough discomfort or weakness where he cannot walk normally (he basically crawls).

We've increased his prednisolone to try to help with the tumors, but I think he's getting a pred belly. He eats his duck soup, he still has some spunk, but he doesn't play much - its difficult and frustrating for him. At this point we just continue to evaluate his quality of life.

If anyone has any additional suggestions, I am certainly open to them. Someone suggested looking into depo medrol injections to help with the tumors - does anyone have any experience with that?

Thank you,
Melissa



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