I was trying to email Tucker about his ferret's nose bump, but I can't seem
to get through to him so I'm posting this publicly.
 
It has been my experience that excision of small nasal tumors is not a
particularly disturbing experience for ferrets.  Obviously, your ferret
will require some light pain meds, extra cuddles, and Nutrical when they
get home, but I've had a ferret sail through that surgery effortlessly.  I
would not recommend fluid aspiration - often the nose lump will have to be
removed surgically, and you would just be putting your ferret through more
unneeded stress.  Plus, with a surgical removal, your vet can proceed with
an immediate tissue biopsy.  One of my tiniest ferrets, Katie, went through
this about two weeks ago.  Since she is so small, even at full-grown size,
I was obviously not thrilled with the idea of surgery.  However, her nose
tumor could have seriously impeded her future health, so we went ahead.
Gorgeous !  Could not have asked for a better result - she came right
through it with flying colors.  I do realize that this may not be the case
with your wee one; all ferrets are different.  Should you need help, email
me privately and I will put you in touch with a couple of great vets I know
who are familiar with this sort of thing.
 
Best of luck,
 
Kym and the Carpet Sharks
Stinky, Katie, Zoe, Pooh, Rikki, Bitty, Mortimer, and Mortimee
[Posted in FML issue 2757]