Hello,
 
I would like to stress that a needle aspirate is the only way to be *sure*
what you've got is lymphosarcoma.  Yes, I will admit there are a lack of
effective treatments for this condition.
 
HOWEVER, lymphosarcoma is not the only thing that can produce symptoms of
swollen lymph nodes.  Coccidia and irritable bowel syndrome have also caused
visibly swollen nodes in ferrets (according to my vet, personal experience).
 
Fortunately, the biopsy is cheap at my vet's ($40).  $40 is a small price to
pay to know whether or not I should be attempting pred and natural therapy
or whether or not we should pursue a different route.  It's a small price to
know whether or not my ferret has a few months - year to live, or several
more years.
 
A lymphosarcoma diagnosis should come in conjunction with several other
tests and symptoms - a radiograph to determine whether or not there are any
masses in the chest cavity, a CBC to determine levels of lymphocytes, a
lymph node biopsy, weight loss, lethargy, loss of appetite, etc.  See the
lymphosarcoma FAQ if your vet suspects lympho!!!  Pred is NOT something you
want to start your ferret on if the condition does not absolutely warrant
it.  Pred is suppressive, causes dependencies, and may have permanent
negative effects on the immune system.  I am not saying it is not useful -
but that it must be used *carefully* and appropriately.
 
Expense is always a concern.  Talk to your vet about cost issues and ask why
the test is so expensive.  The procedure is quick, the ferret does not need
to be anesthesized, and it doesn't take a lot of manpower.  Find out how
much the vet charges for the same procedure for cats and dogs.  Find out if
the cost comes mainly from the vet or from the lab doing the analysis.  Have
your vet talk to another vet or FIND ANOTHER VET if they won't discuss the
procedure with other vets.  At my vet's, the procedure took 5 minutes for 3
aspirates and they charged us for sending samples to the lab, not for doing
the samples.  Our total cost for meds, visit, and sending off 3 samples was
$140.
 
I am not telling anyone that what they've done is wrong, but I am trying to
impress upon you that lymphosarcoma is *not* a diagnosis that you want to
receive and there are easily other causes for many of lympho's symptoms - it
is worth some effort to be totally sure.
 
Melissa
 
 __ Melissa Litwicki ____ [log in to unmask] __
 By the whole newsgroup devoted tennis showing
     it after scarfing fork and laughters
[Posted in FML issue 2077]