Ferret Chemotherapy

babyshoes

Our gorgeous girl Pixel was diagnosed with inoperable lymphoma a few weeks ago. We trust the vet, who despite being an exotics specialist hadn't used chemo for a ferret before. She did some research (mostly from American ferret case studies) and said that chemo in ferrets is generally well tolerated due to the low doses used, though unlikely to completely get rid of the cancer. She has given us a ballpark figure of 6 months.:(

So far, I am glad we have gone for the chemo, rather than the usual treatment in this country which seems to be steriod and hope based. She is on steroids too, but the chemo isn't making her sick and she is just a bit sleepier than usual. The lump has gone down drastically too, which is encouraging. Her personality is certainly still as strong as ever, and the other day she bounced up like a kitten on speed and attacked my hand to get me to play, which certainly made my day!

I was wondering if anyone else has had a ferret or other small fuzzy undergoing chemo before? The lady at the rescue where we got our ferrets and take them for boarding hasn't any experience with it despite many years of caring for loads of ferrets, and seems a bit dubious about the benefits over steroids alone, though she is still being very supportive of our decision.

loztiggy

hiya, if you try googling "ferrets forum.co.uk" you might get some answers there? Im sure there are members on there who have had ferrets in this situation.

best of luck to your fuzzy x

ILoveChocolate

No experience of ferrets, but just wanted to wish her a speedy recovery, hugs x

YorkiePud_3

I remember talking to a lady online (in Canada) whose little ferret was diagnosed with this ... she plumped for chemo but her little boy was very very sick with it. Her vet told her that some ferrets seem to tolerate it better than others, so obviously your little one must be one of those who do, thank goodness!
I know this lady said that in the same circumstances again, it would put her off going for that option again as it is offered widely in USA and Canada but I think you have to weigh up the pros and cons and if it means having your furry with you longer then I know most owners would go for it.

I've got a little girl (found her in the garden!) and she is my best buddy and I know how loving and joyous they are to have around so please know I'm thinking of you both and have my fingers crossed that this affords you more time with your ferret that is pain and discomfort-free as long as possible.

All the best from
Angie and Marigold ( ... she loves rubber gloves ... had to pick that name, really!)

babyshoes

Thanks for these replies!

It does seem to be common in the US/Canada, but not so much here. That forum looks promising and I think I will join up, though one thread I found about chemo had lots of people saying they wouldn't go for it.

We are just willing to do anything we can to give her more time, as long as it is of a decent quality. As soon as we realise that her quality of life isn't good, we will have to make a very difficult decision... Just seriously hoping that isn't for a good long while yet!

rising_from_the_ashes

Best of luck at this very difficult time - I'd certainly ask your vet for a prognosis, when our dog was diagnosed chemo was offered but we were told it may only extend her life for a few weeks and it just didn't feel right to put her through it for that short an extra time (she was happy, comfortable and lived out the rest of her days very happily).

Sooz00

Hi Babyshoes,

So sorry to read about Pixel having lymphoma. I have no experience with ferrets and chemo but one of my cats has had IV chemo (pharmarubicin) and will shortly be starting chlorambucil and probably metacam for vaccine associated fibrosarcoma. Chlorambucil is often used for lymphoma in cats and when looking up information I came across the following. You've probably seen it but if not:

http://www.holisticferret.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=articles&action=display&thread=3031

The metacam is used for its COX2 inhibitor to reduce inflammation which is implicated in VAS. Not sure whether it is used in lymphoma though or whether it is suitable for and tolerated by ferrets.

I am also looking into CV247 at the moment after it was recommended to me on another forum. Not sure whether that's an option either.

What chemo is she on by the way? Has your vet discussed with a veterinary oncologist? Many good referral practices will offer support to GP vets over the telephone.

Good luck with your lovely girl. I hope she does as well as possible for as long as possible x