Ferret mast

Question
I was reading your answer to a question regarding a mast cell tumor. Part of your answer you stated that it is not recommended to remove the cells because they almost always will return. I have a 3 year old ferret "Kumono" that showed signs of this skin condition a few months ago. It started as small as a push pin that I found while bathing, now it has grown to the size of a vitamin pill. I noticed that he has been chewing or itching at it. What would be the pros and cons of possible removal?

Answer
Hi Rebecca:

Mast cell tumors aren't usually removed UNLESS THE FERRET PAWS OR CHEWS AT IT....in which case it is always best to have it removed.

The reason they aren't usually removed is because they really pose no harm to the ferret - UNLESS the ferret messes with it, in which case it can cause bleeding and be a real problem. Because he has been messing with it, your vet MAY want to do a biopsy on the tissue removed to be SURE it is non-malignant. The longer he messes with it, the more the possibility it *could* become malignant.

If your ferret is  messing with it, chewing it, etc, it definitely needs to be removed before it gets any larger. It's his messing with it that is making it grow, so it's important to get it off as soon as possible.

The "cons" of a possible removal are that any surgery is risky.  You should choose your vet carefully and make sure he is using an anesthetic that is safe for ferrets - don't hesitate to ask.  I can only remember the name of one right this minute - Isoflurane and the other is some kind of 'flurane' also, but the name escapes me at the moment. But be SURE that your vet has done ferret surgeries before.

After surgery, keep your ferret a bit warmer than usual for a few days; keep him inactive so he dosn't pull his stitches out - this may mean separating him from other ferrets and putting him in a small cage with just a bed, litterbox, food and water bowls (and if its someplace that would be harmed if he climbs, make sure he can't climb up on anything, including a hammock). Also, get a bit more fluids down him than usual immediately following surgery; I always ask my vet to give about 50-75cc of fluid SubQ (under the skin) immediately following surgery (because the ferret has been not eating for about 8 hours before the surgery so they don't vomit during surgery).  The secrets to a successful ferret surgery are: 1: keep the ferret warmer than usual for 24 hours after surgery (VERY IMPORTANT:  DON'T LEAVE THE FERRET OVERNIGHT AT THE VET'S OFFICE - ALWAYS BRING IT HOME WITH YOU UNLESS THE CLINIC IS MANNED ALL NIGHT - MOST ARE NOT - don't hesitate to ask and just REFUSE to leave him unless he is going to be watched; and if he stays, insist on a warming blanket set on low and extra subQ fluids thru the night), 2: Keep the ferret hydrated immediately after surgery 3: keep the ferret close to you, lots of snuggling, rocking; wrap him in a blanket and rock him to relax him the first 48 hrs or so - they are like babies and immediately following surgery, they react well to gentle holding with a towel or baby blanket, held close to you, rocked or just held and cuddled. 4: start getting food and water down them as soon as an hour after surgery - they need that digestive tract working again. IF they won't eat regular kibble, Offer some warm and watered down Hill' A/D - dip your finger in it and put some on their gums a few times until they get a good taste of it - do this as often as possible until they are eating it; then eventually get them back onto their kibble in a few days.

Hope that helps. If I can be of further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me. You DEFINITELY have a need for surgery in this ferret - I hope you have a vet who specializes in ferrets. If not, please write back with your city and state and I will try to locate someone for you that other ferret owners have recommended either in or near your city.

Please keep me updated. My thoughts and prayers will be with your little one.