|
Post by Sherry on Jun 29, 2013 9:02:46 GMT -5
I can't even imagine what you are feeling right now. I was really hoping when the vet found that massive infection that he could have been treated and had done with it all At the very least I hope THIS gives you some answers.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 3, 2013 13:23:25 GMT -5
Thank you all for your thoughts. We are back from the vet and Bandit is on day 2 of rest. He seems to be about the same today as he has been for a while. He did scare me the night before his vet appt. though as he kept vomiting. I almost took him to the ER but he finally quit and seemed mostly normal (and the vet thinks this was caused by the mass inside him). As for the results of the Ultrasound...
We are yet again left with no answers. Poor Bandit is just an unusual fert. The vets found that there isn't a mass growing behind Bandit's heart, but rather a mass growing in the left side of his upper abdomen that is pushing his lungs and other organs around and is actually wrapped around some things like his arteries. Yet again, this is something my vet has never seen. The vet that did the ultrasound said it doesn't look like a benign fatty tumor (which is what we were assuming it was). The placement of the mass seems to indicate lymphoma, but not only have we ruled this out numerous times with numerous tests, this mass didn't react like a lymphoma would according to the vets. They said lymphomas are very mushy and pliable and that this mass was very hard and pushed away from the fine needles they were using. They were able to get enough cells for 6 slides to send to a lab, but because of the density of the mass and how it reacted they are unsure if the cells are viable enough to determine what the mass is. It will take a week for the results. I asked my vet if he has ANY ideas, and he said that he is honestly at a loss. He did mention a few things, but also kind-of ruled them out as well. In the meantime the vet said to keep trying to get Bandit's weight down and to pretty much let him do what he is doing for now. He is still wheezing a lot, but the vet said that isn't surprising considering how the mass is growing.
At this point I just don't know what to do about poor Bandit. The poor guy has been a sickie since he was little (for over 3 years now) and has had EVERY POSSIBLE test run on him and so many unusual things happen to him. My vet says he could write a book on unusual ferret issues and illnesses just on Bandit alone. I've started considering what none of us ever want to in regards to Bandit's future, but it is hard to consider not helping him to keep fighting when he still seems full of life. He is often not feeling well, but he is always aware, LOVES to eat, and still enjoys playing with his brothers to the extent that he can. I just don't know what to do. The vet said that if we have no answers with the slides our last option is to again cut Bandit open and take a biopsy of the mass. He said that this type of surgery is out of his comfort zone and would refer us to a surgeon at the local ER for it, however, he says he doesn't think the mass would be operable since it is next to and surrounding arteries and vital organs. We are jumping a bit quick to such an assumption, but if this was to be our last option, honestly, I don't know if I would choose to do the biopsy. I don't know. Poor Bandit!!!
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Jul 3, 2013 14:35:40 GMT -5
Oh no Let me see if I can dig up some well known vet contact info for YOUR vet. He may be able to do a phone or online consult.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 3, 2013 14:54:43 GMT -5
That would be much appreciated! Thank you Sherry! My vet is always open to speaking to other fert vets and does so frequently (especially with my crazy boys).
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Jul 3, 2013 18:19:38 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by Heather on Jul 3, 2013 19:23:40 GMT -5
They are indeed some of the best in the business. Bandit's healing candle is lit. Be strong little one ciao
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Jul 3, 2013 21:39:29 GMT -5
Dr. Murray got back to me on Facebook. He strongly suggests seeing Dr. Deborah Cottrell at West End Animal Hospital, 352-472-7626. Bring all medical records you have. I know you saw her much earlier on, but maybe your vet could consult with her also.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 4, 2013 0:43:34 GMT -5
Actually, I have never seen Dr.Cottrell. I had emailed her once about one of Bandit's many illnesses, but she refered me back to my vet and his opinions and ideas as being the best bet. She works several hours away from us - I have never taken my boys that far to see a vet. Don't get me wrong, if it came down to it I would. I have mentioned to me vet taking time to talk with her, and I think he actually has. He does know her so I'm sure he'd have no problem talking to her again. At the moment, and for the next week, my vet is out of town on vacation for July 4th, so he won't be available unless it is an emergency, and then he is only available via email. When he comes back he said he would get with me on the results from the lab tests on Bandit's slides and that we would discuss what to do from there. When he gets back to me I will talk to him about discussing Bandit's situation with other well known fert vets so we can come up with SOMETHING, some plan for poor Bandit.
Thank you again Sherry for taking the time to help me with this. It is very much appreciated!
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Jul 4, 2013 9:16:42 GMT -5
Not a problem. I hope SOMEONE has some ideas for him.
|
|