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Post by amandarain on Jan 24, 2024 0:04:50 GMT -5
Hello! I need some guidance with my senior ferret, Niffler.
It has been quite some time since I've been on HFF, but I know I'll get the best answers through here while I wait for my nearing vet appointment.
Recently, I noticed a small growth at the base of my little man's.. "penal pocket?".. I suppose that's the term I'll be using 😅
He's recently been to the vet with a clear ultrasound for his adrenal and prostate. THis growth is about pea-sized and is kind of firm but not completely solid. His urine and poo are normal, eating habits are also normal. He has gained 1.5lb and weighs a bit over 3 lbs. Does anyone have an idea it could be? Or has anyone experienced something like this? Anything helps! Thank you!
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Post by Corvidophile on Jan 24, 2024 7:36:12 GMT -5
Is it discolored? Does it grow right on the outer surface of the skin? Does fur grow over it in the normal pattern? If there’s a disturbance in any of these it could be a mast cell tumor. They’re often benign. If it slides around under the skin like someone transplanted a lump of firm jelly under the ferret’s skin, it could be a swollen lymph node. Sometimes these are random, sometimes they’re a result of lymphoma. Any lumps under his leg pits where they meet the body, or at the side base of the neck?
One thing you can ask for at the vet is to check blood values for high white blood cell count. If so, he’s having an immune response to it, and it could be either lymphoma or another cancerous growth.
It could also be a cyst, which is basically a mega pimple kind of irritation. Got a small cut, got some pee or poop germs inside, little infection got started. These are typically drained and given a round of antibiotics for if they’re pus filled.
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Post by amandarain on Jan 25, 2024 7:03:33 GMT -5
It's not discolored, the lump is underneath the skin, and his fur lays normally. You found the perfect description too, because it is like a small lump of jelly! He has been laying down when he urinates. We have vynl floors and his legs slide out from under him. I have unscented puppy pads that he uses, but lately he's been passing them alot and going on the floor. I keep them in the spots he normally goes in, but he "potty ghosts" me and I think I need another solution. He is 6 now as well. What other solutions are best for older ferrets?
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Post by Corvidophile on Jan 26, 2024 8:09:32 GMT -5
Hmm, not sure why he would suddenly avoid the potty pads. Older ferrets sometimes have weak rear legs, but that could also be a symptom of insulinoma- check blood sugar. That lump is not related to insulinoma, though. That test is instant and you’ll know the same appointment the diagnosis. Fast him for six hours before the bloodwork for the most clear result on blood sugar. My current ferret goes in litter for all but one room of the house, where he walks up to the litterbox and relieves himself next to it instead of stepping inside. I surrounded it in potty pads and that did the trick, he now goes on the potty pad next to it. My previous ferret was used litterboxes in his youth and then just started going for corners near doors and would MOVE the potty pad out of the way to go on the floor. Sometimes they’re a pain.
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Post by amandarain on Feb 9, 2024 11:16:06 GMT -5
Hello! I'm only seeing your response now. I have him with me at the vet. I moved the appointment up because it got slightly bigger. The bump looks like it has a dark tint under the skin. Also, I don't believe he's avoiding the pads. I think he uses the entrance door as a mid point between his other pads, so I placed one there. He uses it sometimes. If the vet suggests that we do a blood sugar test, I'll be sure to take your advice and fast him beforehand. I'll keep you posted on the vet's decision.
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