Hi again,
Thanks to everyone who emailed me regarding my concerns about the skin
changes on my ferrets.  I was suspicious that the lesions on Bugsy could be
tumors and I do have an appt. with a new vet on thursday so I hope he has
some experience and can shed some light on this issue.
 
Good news with Walter, the one who had the large buise/blood blister.  It
has almost disappeared since I wrote the last post.  I think that's good
news.  Most I now know is there is obviously something there that is
irritating him.  Will let you all know if it turns out to be anything
interesting.
 
I have a question to the Vets online.  I know that many vets feel that
surgery on ferrets over the age of 6 is risky and many will not do it.  I
am not sure exactly what part of the surgical procedure is risky to the
ferret.  The reason I ask is that if it turns out that my ferret (Bugsy)
has tumors that need excision, he will have to go under anestetic.  Bugsy
is 6 years old and I want to make sure that I fully understand the pros and
cons of such a procedure beforehand.  Is the surgery itself the risk (ie:
the type of risk) or does the anestetic itself pose a risk to ferrets over
the age of 6?  What exactly is the risk..eg: they do not thrive well after?
etc...
 
One other curious question I have.  It appears that some vet schools are
more 'in the know' when it comes to ferrets than others.  For example, from
reading the FML, I understand that the University of Saskatchewan knows
about Lupron whereas I know other universities have yet to hear about it.
I am wanting to know what schools in the US are 'known' by FMLrs as being
strong in their knowledge of ferrets (if any- at least relatively
speaking).
 
Thanks to everyone again.  I really am glad you are all here.  Ferret
people are a special bunch and it's wonderful to have you all here to
share stuff with.
 
Michaela Maurice
College of Veterinary Medicine
Ohio State University
Class of 2002
[Posted in FML issue 2833]