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]