Splenomegaly is a common finding in ferrets, and is most commonly the
result of chronic inflammation, usually in the gastrointestinal tract.
Around 95% of spleens are benign, and are enlarged simply by a
proliferation of immature red and white blood cells in response to the
circulating chemicals liberated by the chronic inflammation.
 
Around 5% of enlarged spleens are due to tumors - with lymphoma being the
most common of these.  But the odds are still remarkably in your favor.
 
Splenectomies are a common method of treating this condition, and usually
have very good results.  Make sure that biopsy gets sent in, though.
 
With kindest regards,
Bruce H. Williams, DVM, DACVP
 
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[Posted in FML issue 3397]