From:
"wclovergal"
Date: 2011-06-20 14:21:00 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Prostate removal? Stricture correction? Other?
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
It's true that multiple organs are affected; however, just going down the list: (1)adrenal removal is routine, the organ is nonvital, and well-managed; (2)spleen removal is also routine and the organ is nonvital; (3) kidney, I'm not sure how routine kidney removal is, but removal should be relatively easy, and we only need one kidney; (4)liver, again not sure how routine it is, but can be safely debulked and there was only one spot. That leaves the prostate, which is certainly not a vital organ. I see no reason why a ferret should die for it, much as I respect this team of vets.
The ultrasound didn't show a blockage, though I know it acts like one. I did ask about laxatives or fiber and was told that the problem wasn't the consistency of the poo, and also that fiber could be dangerous if there's a stricture. I am quite concerned about the straining.
I'm not sure what to do for the prostate other than adrenal treatments and prostate medicine--except removal, which is done both on humans and companion animals. I just know he no longer needs to ejaculate.
The scent gland removal took an hour and a half and he recovered well otherwise, so if surgery is the only way to go I'd like to take that chance. I do hope, though, that there are nonsurgical methods to try. He's strong and still has a lot of life left in him. No longer playful at his age but loves to explore and has close bonds. Even an extra year is quite a lot to a ferret. And then there's his mate (they're a retired breeding pair). She tries to kill all other ferrets and would be devasted to lose him (though not quite as devastated as Cinnabon himself would be). I'm just looking for alternatives to death, whether surgical or otherwise.
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