http://www.smartgroups.com/message/readmessage.cfm?gid=1423922&messageid=276
 
Author wrote:
>As anyone on the FML knows, my 2 yr 7 mo old MF ferret Max has just been
>found to have an inoperable nickel-sized osteosarcoma or osteocarcinoma
>(no biopsy so not sure which) in his jaw.
 
Dear X:
 
Actually, squamous cell carcinoma is the most likely culprit here - have
not seen any osteosarcomas of the jaw.  Jaw tumors are almost exclusively
squamous cell carcinomas.  These tumors are generally slow growing, and
result in significant deformity.  Chemotherapy or radiation has not shown
to be effective - early surgical excision is the only effective treatment.
AT this point, we are likely past that, and only removal of half of the
lower jaw would stop the process.
 
Over time, you may see tooth loss, difficulty eating, and some get to the
point where the jaw breaks at the site of the tumor, as it is so weakened.
 
You should look for drooling and hesitancy to eat as signs that you may
want to step in....these tumors can be painful (any tumor in the bone is
painful - so don't prolong euthanasia too long after you get the idea
that he may have pain in his mouth.
 
with kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM
[Posted in FML issue 3843]