Message Number: YG773 | New FHL Archives Search
From: ferrethealer@aol.com
Date: 2001-03-05 14:56:00 UTC
Subject: Submandibular Surgery was Re: [Ferret-Health-list] Digest
Number 35

In a message dated 03/04/01 11:36:08 PM Eastern Standard Time,
Ferret-Health-list@yahoogroups.com writes:

<< Why is it not a good
> idea or not a possibility to remove the submandibular nodes when they
> are swollen by lymphoma?

Dr. Karen Purcell answered:

As a surgeon, I avoid removing masses in this area due to the
proximity of major nerves and blood vessels that could be damaged,
with little actual good for the ferret. If I need a biopsy sample, I
take the popliteal lymph node, which is much easier to remove. >>

Karen hit it dead on there. I have a dog coming in for surgery next week
with a mass in the same area, and I am *not* looking forward to this surgery.
It's a very tricky area because of the other structures there. Unless the
nodes are causing problems for the ferret, removing them is unlikely to be of
any value.

Dr. Ruth
*****************************************
Save lives - spay or neuter your pet.