Fat boy with lumpy neck

Question

Odin's neck   QUESTION: Hi,
My 9 month old boy Odin seems to have put on a lot of weight receintly, an has two lumps either side of his neck.  I've also noticed that there are slightly hard swellings either side of his belly under his arms.  He is eating fine, drinking, passing and shows no other sign of being ill - his coat is full and shiny and he's as bright as ever.
Do you know what these lumps could be?
Many thanks,
Abbie

ANSWER: Hello Abigaiil,

Those sound like enlarged lymph nodes.  These are located throughout the body, but are most prominent are on the neck, under the arms and in groin area.

I am concerned since more than one node is enlarged.  Can you feel a swelling in the groin area as well?  Enlarged lymph nodes can mean there is an infection in the body.  the lymphatic system is important for immune responses which causes swelling in these areas.  

Enlarged lymph nodes can also be a sign of a serious medical condition called lymphoma.  In ferrets, lymphosarcoma is the most common malignancy.  There are two forms of the disease, a rapidly progressive form which is most common in ferrets under 2 years of age, and a more chronic form which affects ferrets 5-7 years of age.  

Common symoptoms (can vary):
hard, bean shaped lymph nodes that do not appear painful
enlarged spleen/liver
severe weight loss
vomiting
dehydration
hind leg weakness
difficulty breathing (due to enlarged thymus) or coughing

Here is more information:

http://www.ferretcentral.org/faq/med/lymph.html
http://www.2ndchance.info/lymphomaferret.htm
http://www.ferret-universe.com/health/lympho.asp


I would bring him RIGHT away for a checkup to rule out lymphoma since it is such a serious disease.  Often superficial symptoms are not present or variable until the disease has progressed, especially in young animals.    

Please let me know how this turns out of Odin.  I am hoping for the best.

-Cindy P.  




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Cindy,
Thank you for the advice.  I took Odin to the vets this morning.  They think that the swelling might be to do with an anesthetic he had from his castration 6 weeks ago- so fingers crossed thats all it is.  He's gonna be under close observation for a while!

I wanted to also ask about getting a third ferret.  As i only have two Odin, and Freyja (6 months - soon to be spayed - lady) I became very concerned that if anything happened to Odin I wouldn't want Freyja left on her own - or vice versa.  I reciently saw an add for a 2 1/2 year old male (neutered) who needed a home.  I spoke to the owner and this boy has never been kept with other ferrets, and is prone to nipping and has rarely been handeled.  He has also been kept in a large outside cage whereas mine live in a smaller cage and have the run of my room for a few hours each day (and walks when i train them to stay in their leads!).  

What i would like to know is whether there would be a chance of this boy getting along with my ferrets? And also whether three ferrets would require a lot more attention and room than two?  What other concerns are there?

Thanks again,
Abbie

Answer
Thank you for bringing him in right away!  I hope it is nothing more than a reaction to the anesthesia.  

Three ferrets are always more fun!  The addition of a third should not be all that much more work than you are used to.  As long as you change the litter box often and keep plenty of fresh water and food available at all times you should be fine.  

It is difficult to say if the other ferret would get along with Odin and Freyja.  Some are naturally friendly, while others dislike the company of other ferrets.  If you are considering adopting him, ask if you can arrange a visit to see if it will work out.   In general ferrets will get along, but there are always exceptions.  

A ferret that was not handled much will take time to get accustomed to people.  He may nip, but with the proper training and a bit of persistence you should be able to socialize him.