FERRET-SEARCH@LISTSERV.FERRETMAILINGLIST.ORG
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Date: | Sat, 17 May 2003 11:54:00 -0400 |
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Author wrote:
>I got a call yesterday AM ~7:30. She was showing neurologic symptoms,
>re-ran bloodwork and calcium read >16 (machine maxed out at 16). BUN
>only dropped to 78. We tried to get to the vet in time, but she
>collaped and passed away ~10am at the vets.
>
>I feel horrible she was alone--but I am also wondering if I did
>anything. I have talked with the Vet FOREVER about this--but I don't
>know if there is anything else I could have done. We only got the
>biopsy results back yesterday that she had lymphoma (results from the
>lymph node and liver)-- she had surgery exactly one week prior.
Dear X - I am sorry for your loss.
It is likely that the lymphoma was well advanced at the time of surgery -
it likely didn't incite it to grow any faster.
Hypercalcemia is an uncommon finding in ferrets with lymphoma, but has
been well-documented. It is far more common in dogs and cats though (we
call it hypercalcemia of malignancy).
Anything else you could have done - no. Lymphoma is very much a silent
killer - you had some premonitory signs, but many ferrets don't even show
that - they are simply found dead.
This is a tragedy, but a common one. Don't blame yourself for anything
here -
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM
[Posted in FML issue 4151]
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