To Amy Cada regarding mast cell tumors:
 
        Amy, I guess I'm one of those vets who always recommends removing
tumors.  I've never seen a malignant cutaneous mast cell tumor, but I also don't
recommend leaving them around long enough to develop one.  The one malignant
mast cell tumor that I have seen did not involve the skin, but it did lay waste
to the unfortunate ferret who was affected.
 
        What would most likely happen with a mast cel tumor that was not removed
- it would probably get larger and larger, and being as some of them are itchy,
the ferret may scratch at it and get it infected.
 
        If it was my ferret - I'd take it off.
 
       Bruce Williams, DVM                 Department of Veterinary Pathology
       [log in to unmask]         Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
       (202) 782-2600/2602                 Washington, D.C.  20306-6000
[Posted in FML issue 1147]