Hi Everyone- I recently adopted a 6+ (Born 04/1998) year old ferret who
is on Lupron for adrenal and has (according to his previous owners and
medical records) a "Round Cell Tumor" or "Red Cell Tumor" (not a mass
cell tumor, I double checked).  I have searched the archives and what
other sources I have and I have not been able to turn up any information.
 
The location of this tumor is on his left front ankle and looks like a
blood blister (but not fluid like).  I am told that it gets bigger and
smaller to coincide with this Lupron shots (unverified so far since it
will be two more weeks until his next shot).  It doesn't seem to bother
him to walk on that leg; it is closed and does not weep.
 
I called the previous vet (they are way to far for me to get to and I
have an appointment for him next week) and I confirmed that he has had it
since August of 2002.  The notes say "no granules with notes of basal
cell or plasma cell".  They did aspirate it and noted it to be a Round
Cell Tumor.  They suggested at that time that it should be removed and
biopsied but I don't see that it was ever done.  On 3/23/04 they noted:
"Carpus - ulcerated"
 
He is a wonderful guy, very healthy, very energetic, and aside of his age
is a good candidate for surgery for a bit of a geezer and a devoted
raisin lover.  His family is moving to Hawaii and short of dressing him
up in a suit and buying him a plane ticket, they could not take him with
them.  He is the last surviving member of a former group of four losing
his last cage mate last year.  He seems very happy to be with me and my
other ferrets.
 
Can anyone direct me to how I can find out more about round cell tumors
and any information about adrenal surgery for a healthy 7 year old
ferret.  This way I can be prepared when I take him to my ferret
experienced vet and make the best possible informed decisions for him.
 
Please either reply to the digest or contact me directly at my home
email address so I can retrieve information over the weekend:
[log in to unmask]
 
Thank you!
Diane Wall
(South Shore Ferret Lady and Massachusetts Ferret Friends Member)
[Posted in FML issue 4590]