Lymphoma?

[aliandcookie]

My ferret cookie is 4 years old and has recently gone to the vet where they noticed his lymph nodes were “on the large side of normal” as was his speen. They told me to “feel Around for his lymph nodes and let me know if something changes” problem is that it’s quarantine so they didn’t show me how to do this. I spent about a week feeling under his arms like they told me but I couldn’t ever find anything until today. I’m very concerned though because I can only find it on one side. Under his right arm I can feel a ball a little lager then a pea. Is this the lymph node? Is it too big? Is it a tumor? Cookie’s follow up appointment isn’t for another week. I’m just worried that next week will be too late. He’s still eating and playing fine but he has been speed bumping more then usual. His winter coat is coming in fine. Should I be concerned?

[aliandcookie]

Update: I found it under the other arm and it feels about the same. Can anyone with experience in healthy ferrets let me know how big they should feel?

[unclejoe]

i thought I replied earlier... A pea size node is big. Idkk how much you've been feeling around in there, but if the nodes are that big and firm, they could be a sign. I have a hard time fining nodes on healthy ferrets, and what you describe would pop right out, sorry to say. I've had a couple that had fatty pads in the armpit that were mushy and went down when the fert lost weight. Contact your vet and see pf you can get a more accurate description of what s/he felt and tell what you found. Best wishes.

[aliandcookie]

Ok. Cookie is going back into the vet on Monday. Hopefully they’ll run some tests on him. For now he’s eating and he’s on an immune support supplement so I’ll keep a close eye on him. He’s been sleepier then usual this week so hopefully he’s okay until Monday. I don’t think the vet could take me much sooner during the current state of things. They aren’t even replying to my emails :/
Thank you for your reply.

[aliandcookie]

My doctor got back to me and said pea or lima bean size is normal But that they shouldn’t be round and hard. The one on his right side feels especially round and firm so I’m going to email the doctor and request he takes a solid look at it on Monday.

[aliandcookie]

Update: so a couple days ago I noticed the firmness of his lymph node had just disappeared? I wonder if maybe it was due to a mild infection or something he was working through. Anyway the vet saw him yesterday and gave him the all clear. His activity levels have gone up the last couple days as well. They said he was actually a bit “robust” on his first appointment, but according to the vet yesterday he gained .2 pounds since then. He’s working on his winter chunkiness. The vet was a little unsure about his diet of FDR cat food from Stella and chewy, but admitted that he looked very healthy so it seems to be working well for him.

[unclejoe]

That's good news and not uncommon. The lymphatic system does help fight infection. As long as the FDR is balanced and has the necessary nutrients he should be good to go.
FWIW, our Pandy had what felt like fatty pockets in her arm pits and she was overweight. They were in the area of the lymph nodes, but were soft.

[Charlie]

Not sure where you are located but it could be the change of season so your ferret is more sleepy.

Glad to hear your Cookie is doing well!