From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2010-01-05 20:15:19 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Current Diagnosis: Metastatic Liver Cancer, Insulinoma, Adrenal disease
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Hi, Anne,
The really bad part of this report is the metastatic liver cancer.
Metastasis means it has already spread. I'm not a vet but I have lost
one ferret to hepatic cell carcinoma, which is liver cancer. Our vet
at the time, an outstanding and well known ferret vet, said that there
was nothing which could be done. Unless some new treatment has
appeared in the last six years I'd say that report is really bad news.
I'm sorry. I really hope someone can tell you that I'm wrong and my
information is out of date.
Yes, you should make him comfortable. If he shows signs of pain or
discomfort then pain meds, something which won't hurt the liver
further, are definitely a thing worth discussing with your vet. When
Nyssa had late stage lymphoma we used torbugesic, an opiate, when she
showed signs of discomfort. Surprisingly (at least to us) instead of
knocking her out it just made he feel better and she was more active
and playful. (Thanks again to Sukie who gave us great advice at the
time.) I don't know if that can be used with liver cancer or if it
would make things worse. I leave that to the vets out there.
Seven is a good age for a ferret. I've only had three of my first ten
make it to age eight and I have one who is just about there now. It
sounds like you would do and have done everything and anything
possible for Dakota. Just cherish your remaining time with him and
take some comfort in knowing that you gave him the best life a ferret
could want.
All the best,
Caity and the terrific trio
Ella, Zephyr and Chin Soon
On 1/5/10, esotericiv wrote:
> A friend and member of this site recommended that I join FHL for additional
> guidance in treatment for my ferret Dakota. I am including all of the
> information I have so far.
>
> Dakota is a seven year old neutered male. No health issues other than
> surgery to remove a petrified hairball from the duodenum two years ago.
>
> Prognosis: Less than three months to live.
> Treatment: Continue with prednisilone.
...
>
> -Liver
> "Several firm raised nodules in the left and right liver lobes"
> Biopsy of liver nodules
> Pathology: Metastatic cancer
>
...
>
> Should I accept this diagnosis, if so is there anything I can do to slow the
> progression, of not what should I be doing to make him as comfortable as
> possible.
>
> Thank you,
>
> Anne
>
>
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