From:
"Tressie"
Date: 2010-04-01 23:53:29 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Please help identify this illness.
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Hi Anne,
I'm also wondering if it could be lymphoma.
I had a rescue come in with similar symptoms and unfortunately, finally had to be euthanized because he ended up completely paralyzed. We also suspected an unknown virus, however, necropsy confirmed lymphoma in the brain and spinal cord.
Unfortunately, if it is in the brain or spinal cord, there is no way of knowing for certain except with a post-mortem necropsy. I would imagine he would have been in considerable pain if it is in his spinal cord. Squinty eyes are a pain response.
Pred is used as a chemo therapy with lymphoma and often helps for a while. It is also an anti-inflammatory and appetite stimulant. However, if it is lymphoma it will rebound with a vengence.
Given the seriousness of his condition I would suggest doing palliative care with him, that is, keep him comfortable with pain meds, deal with concomitant conditions with medications and essentially maintain his quality of life until he no longer has any quality to his life. It sounds like that is exactly what you have been doing.
And when the inevitable time comes, consider having a necropsy done to confirm what it was that made him so ill. That knowledge will benefit others, and it is the only way of knowing for certain what it is he has.
I am so sorry you and this little one are going through this : (
Tressie
>
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