>>mountains in Washington.  The treatment involved an injection of some
>>type of fluid into the cat and then radiation which shrinks the tumor
>>permanently.  Apparently they have had a huge success rate with this.  I
>>am sure it was VERY expensive.  What is this and has anyone heard of it?
>>Is it something that might work in ferrets for tumors?
 
>I do not know about this for cats/ferrets but a similar treatment is used
>on humans!
 
Yes, this is done on ferrets also.
 
I'm not a vet but talked to my vet about this.  He has had a ferrets that
he has send to a specialist (in Eugene, Oregon I believe) for the
treatment.  The animal must be kept at the facility for about 7-10 days to
let the radioactive material pass through their body.  During this time,
their feces are considered a radiological hazard and must be disposed of
appropriately, thus the high cost.  There is a period after they return
home where the contact with them must be minimal.
 
I believe the cost he said was around $500.  It's less invasive than
surgery and less risky.  Imagine how small the thyroid itself is in a
ferret!  It is a permanent solution too.
 
    -Carla
[Posted in FML issue 2817]