Good bye Tail... WITH NEW PICS

[valkyriestorm]

So I took Skunkers to the vet today to see what could be done about this tail. The vet said this is pretty normal for ferrets and its a simple operation and he would just take the Chordoma off the tip of his tail. So my Skunkers would have half a tail. Weird. But it will cost me 300 bucks. Not too bad, but I dont really have that right now, but I am going to save up. He said it could get worse, if it starts bothering him he could start messing with it and break it open, or he could hit it hard on something and make it worse. So I am more then likely getting it taken off. To get a biopsy it will cost an extra 125 bucks. So I dont know what to do. Anyone have this problem before.

[ferretdroogies]

I have seen a few in the two years working at a vet clinic (still am), and all of the ones I've seen are not malignant. My vet says there hasn't been any reported cases of metastasis from chordomas on the tail. So getting a biopsy is up to you, but it is rare for this type of chordoma to be malignant. There are cases of chordomas on the cervical spine which is debilitating physically and mentally, but the ones on the tail are not.

Hope this helps and makes you feel better

[mustelidmusk]

short-tailed ferrets are not terribly uncommon - and chordomas are generally nuissances that need to be removed because they become infected/open sores/painful, etc. I would save the money rather than do the biopsy since tail chordomas are not much of a threat (if any at all) in terms of spreading cancer.

-jennifer

[ferretdroogies]

I agree mustelidmusk.

We always remove half the tail, and we have never done biopsies on chordomas of the tail, nor do we recommend it.

Edit: Oh! I forgot to add that the reason we take half the tail off instead of just the chordoma is because they are locally aggressive, but will not spread any further than the tip of the tail where it started.

[valkyriestorm]

yes I did hear they can come back. Thanks guys. I actually just talked to a customer at work today that said his friends ferret just had that done and he is fine.

[valkyriestorm]

Sweet I am getting his tail cut by another vet my friend knows for half the cost. It will probably be done this Thursday. I keep having nightmares about it. I dont know why. I guess because i love my skunkers sooo much and I am freaked out about having a new vet do it.

[Heather]

Don't belittle your fears. Any surgery no matter how insignificant is something to worry about but the fact that it's considered a short and easy surgery I'm sure that Skunkers will come through it in good form. I will light a healing candle for your little boy, and hope that it is a successful and uneventful surgery.
Good luck little one
ciao

[valkyriestorm]

Thanks so much... I am sure he will be getting it done Thursday

[valkyriestorm]

here are some pics, now he is going to get it done Tuesday instead

[sherrylynne]

Oh, poor buddy! I'll bet he'll be glad when that's gone.

[Heather]

Poor wee one. I will light a healing candle and know that your thoughts are with you on Tues.
ciao

[Forum Administrator]

He'll be in my thoughts!

[murphysmom]

I think that is what Ollie had. He had half of his tail removed before I got him. Good luck and hope all goes well.

[valkyriestorm]

Thanks guys, He goes in tomorrow.

[maddiesmom]

{{{{{{{{{++++good+++vibes}}}}}}}}}} coming your way!