> Date:   Fri, 30 Jul 1993 00:20:17 -0400
> From:   "Stephen R. Horton" <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: lymphosarchoma
>
>
> Hi everyone, I just found out today that my 3yr old little boy ( Greyson )
> has lymphosarchoma ( sp? ).  I think I've read some information on this
> subject before, but at the time, I didn't really pay that much attention
> this subject.  I was wondering how this cancer affects ferrets and how
> they respond to chemotherapy treatments.  Also, what is the life
> expectancy for a ferret with this cancer?
 
Stephen & Dona,
 
Lymphosarcoma is not uncommon in ferrets.  My ferret Bandit was diagnosed
with this about a year and a half ago.  Lympho is treated with
chemotherapy and ferrets respond well to it.  Bandit underwent chemo for a
year and is now in remission.  He has been off chemo since April and is
doing well.  The most noticeable change was a coarsening of his coat, and
thinning fur on his tail and undersides of his back legs.  This was due to
prolonged steroid use (see below) and not the chemo.  Unlike people,
ferrets do not generally suffer adverse reactions to chemo.
 
There are several chemo protocols for lympho.  Bandit went to Dr. Ann
Jeglum, in West Chester, PA, and had the protocol she developed.  It
consists of a five-week rotation of chemo drugs -- L-aparaginase,
Vincristine, Methotrexate, Vincristine, and Cytoxan -- supplemented by
daily doses of Prednisone.  If your vet would like to consult with Dr.
Jeglum about this protocol or the dosages, she can be reached at
215-696-1585.
 
Bandit was diagnosed with lympho at age 3-1/2; he is now 5.  At the time
of the diagnosis, we were told that the prognosis could be as little as 3
months, with the maximum being unknown.  At this point, we've had him for
a year and a half longer than we thought, so we are grateful for every
day.  Before he began the treatment, he was losing weight and was
extremely lethargic.  He is now a healthy 3 pounds and very lively!
 
> My vet, at Mississippi State
> Vet School, have proposed a six week session of chemo to begin next week.
> Greyson is due for his rabies and distemper vaccination at the end of
> August, would this have any adverse afffect if the shots were administered
> at the same time as the chemo treatments?  Any information would be
> greatly appreciated.
 
If Greyson begins chemo, his immune system will be compromised -- DO NOT
give him rabies and distemper boosters!  These vaccinations could affect
him adversely while he is undergoing chemo!  Bandit has not had rabies or
distemper shots since he began his chemo, and will not until we get the
green light from Dr. Jeglum.
 
Good luck!  Let me know if I can help in any other way.  FYI, Suki
Crandall, also a member of the FML, also has a great deal of experience
with ferret lympho.
 
Katie, Jeff, Bandit, Molly, Charlie, Pogo & Sigmund
--------------------------------------------------
Katie Fritz
Small Mammals Section Leader/CompuServe Pets Forum
Internet: [log in to unmask]  CIS: 71257,3153
 
[Posted in FML issue 0535]