Author wrote:
>I got a call yesterday AM ~7:30.  She was showing neurologic symptoms,
>re-ran bloodwork and calcium read >16 (machine maxed out at 16).  BUN
>only dropped to 78.  We tried to get to the vet in time, but she
>collaped and passed away ~10am at the vets.
>
>I feel horrible she was alone--but I am also wondering if I did
>anything.  I have talked with the Vet FOREVER about this--but I don't
>know if there is anything else I could have done.  We only got the
>biopsy results back yesterday that she had lymphoma (results from the
>lymph node and liver)-- she had surgery exactly one week prior.
 
Dear X - I am sorry for your loss.
 
It is likely that the lymphoma was well advanced at the time of surgery -
it likely didn't incite it to grow any faster.
 
Hypercalcemia is an uncommon finding in ferrets with lymphoma, but has
been well-documented.  It is far more common in dogs and cats though (we
call it hypercalcemia of malignancy).
 
Anything else you could have done - no.  Lymphoma is very much a silent
killer - you had some premonitory signs, but many ferrets don't even show
that - they are simply found dead.
 
This is a tragedy, but a common one.  Don't blame yourself for anything
here -
 
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM
[Posted in FML issue 4151]