Ferrets suffering from chordomas should be treated on an inpatient basis. This includes surgery, should the tumor be located on the neck or upper back region, or tail amputation, should the tumor be located on the tail.
If the condition has caused paralysis in the ferret, recovery may be dependent on the length of time the ferret had the tumor and the extent of spinal compression -- smaller chordomas compress the spine less than larger chordomas.
Living and Management
Bringing your ferret into the veterinarian at the first sign of a nodule is key to managing the condition(s) and the ferret's ability to recover quickly. Once your veterinarian has diagnosed the type of tumor, he/she may then remove the tumor, either through surgical means (chordoma) or by amputating the ferret's tail (chondrosarcoma).
A small lump or mass of tissue
The prediction of a disease’s outcome in advance
An in-depth examination of the properties of urine; used to determine the presence or absence of illness
A bundle of fibers that are used in the process of sending impulses through the body
Something that is related to the whole body and not just one particular part or organ
A picture that is taken of the spinal cord after dye is injected; may also be used to take a count of white blood cells
The process of removing tissue to examine it, usually for medical reasons.
An animal’s sternum
The process of removing all or part of a body part; usually refers to a limb (arm or leg) and is done for medical reasons.