To Debra, RE: enlarged spleen
        The ferret spleen is extremely sensitive to internal stress,
particularly if it involves an insult to the blood -- like lymphosarcoma.
The spleen gets larger as it starts kicking out many more blood cells.  This
is not to say a ferret with a large spleen has lymphosarcoma -- just about
any problem will cause an enlarged spleen.  On occassion, there is idiopathic
splenic hypertrophy -- meaning the spleen just gets bigger and there seems to
be no earthly reason -- in that case it is often removed if it gets obscenely
big.  If you're asking this question because a ferret you own/know has an
enlarged spleen, I would suggest a blood screen, particularly a CBC and blood
glucose check.  The spleen could be an early warning sign of another problem.
 
To Michelle, RE:  insulinoma
 
        Otherwise known as pancreatic beta-cell tumour, which I answered
somebody else's question about not long ago.  Anyone know what issue that was?
 
        Your vet sounds right on the money -- his statistics jibe with Dr.
Kawasaki's (except I *think* (don't quote me on this) that the incidence of
finding an adrenal tumour as well is higher -- more like 70% of the time --
but this can fairly easily be removed in most cases).  PLEASE do not be put
off by the 90% recurrence -- that *is* correct but the time frame is
approximately 6 mos. to 2 years and in the meantime your ferret's quality of
life will be *vastly* improved if the surgery is successful (which it most
often is).  No more prednisone (bad for the immune system if taken for a long
time) and no more Proglycem (yucky tasting stuff!) and the improvement in
blood glucose levels/energy are *far* greater than with the drugs anyway.
(40 is *awfully* low.  Poor thing. :( )  The price sounds reasonable, so if
you can afford it, for such a young ferret I wouldn't let the statistics put
you off.  There is a risk, as in any surgery, but the odds are with you.
Just my opinion, of course.  Good luck!  Let us know what happens.
 
                                        Laura
 
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Laura L'Heureux, Trella, and Tribble, too
U. of Illinois Vet Med Class of 96
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[Posted in FML issue 0590]