Tumor??

[lil_kitten78]

Hello all. We've taken care of lots of babies. I'm a surgical veterinary technician, and I've worked with my local wildlife center for a number of years now. We have an Eastern Grey who wasn't able to be released with the rest of his friends. (His name is The Squiz) The Squiz has a large tumor on his belly. I've run bloodwork, taken digital x rays, done an ultrasound, and fine needle aspirate. All which point to a malignant tumor. I had a specialty surgeon who might have been willing to take it off, but his urithra runs right through the middle of the tumor...so short of doing a PU surgery or messing up his urithra that's totally out.
I realise this is a LOT for an eastern grey, but when The Squiz had to stay with us he became more than just a squirrel to us. He's part of our family now. We're just curious if anyone out there has had any experience with tumors in squirrels or might have any advice?

Thanks all,
Jessica

[4skwerlz]

I've personally never heard of a malignancy on a squirrel. We have a lot of knowledgable folks here, and connections with some great squirrel vets. Let's see what we can come up with.

Can you post a pic of the tumor?

We certainly understand how much Squiz means to you....

[Tomo]

I just sent you a PM with info to a vet that you should talk with regarding Squiz's tumor. I think we all know how very much you love Squiz and in my opinion, this vet is the best vet in the nation.

Praying for you both. :grouphug

[island rehabber]

I just sent you a PM with info to a vet that you should talk with regarding Squiz's tumor. I think we all know how very much you love Squiz and in my opinion, this vet is the best vet in the nation.

Praying for you both. :grouphug

I will second what Tomo has said, this vet is a miracle worker to squirrels. Definitely contact him, and good luck!

[Sciurus1]

Sadly I have experienced tumors in two of the squirrels we had carred for. Both times the tumors were on the tip of the toe, and the entire toe had to be removed.

Many Vets today are treating pets with Alternative medicine, whether adding it to conventional treatments, or by itself. I read that in a book I have on Alternative medicine for Dogs and Cats. In it they noted a man who treated his pet cat which had cancer with tea, and the cancer was overcome. Since Tea has high tannin levels that squrirels tolerate very well, it may be a good choice. Perhaps they could eat the tea leaves and get it that way, I don't know, but it is worth asking an Alternative medicine Vet about it, and how to give if tea, or leaf.

[Sciurus1]

Essiac Tea has been used as an alternative treatment for cancer in humans for many decades. There is likely studies on the use of this tea, perhaps tested on rodents. If then conventional treatment doesn't pan out, to consult an Alternative Medicine Vet, or if it does, whether this tea can be used safely concert with that.

[lil_kitten78]

Oh my gosh! You guys are just amazing! Thank you so much. I'm deffinatly contacting this vet. I have 11 different vets at my advantage, and none really have the knowledge (though they are wonderful) to truely help us with this. Even my wildlife vets really only treat squirrels for trama or nurse babies.
I can work on a good picture of the tumor tonight and see if I can post for you guys to see. I can tell you it's pretty big. I'd say cut a golf ball in half and stick it on his belly and you have an accurate size. From what we know now though it has not spread. No METS in the lungs and so forth.
He is uncomfortable though. Even if we can't do anything about the tumor we deffinatly want to speak to this vet about making him as comfortable as possible. You guys are just awesome. We appreciate all the help. I'm gonna write to this vet, and work on a picture and will be back soon.

Thanks so much
Jessica

[skye]

I sure hope you can get help for your baby. Sending best wishes your way:)

[Pam]

I had a specialty surgeon who might have been willing to take it off, but his urithra runs right through the middle of the tumor...so short of doing a PU surgery or messing up his urithra that's totally out.

Hi Jessica, have you heard from Tomo's vet? I'm anxiously waiting to hear his opinion on The Squiz's tumor.

I was telling my husband (he's a vet) about The Squiz and showed him pictures of the tumor. He thinks it's possible to remove the tumor, but believes a PU would have to be performed at the same time. Of course he hasn't seen radiographs or ultrasound images so his opinion is only an educated guess.

Hoping and praying for good news!

[lil_kitten78]

Yes, we've had short talks back and forth. As of right now I'm taking The Squiz back in to work with me in the morning. I'm gonna sedate him and try to take a few good sized biopsies to possibly "confirm" what this is at Dr. Pilny's suggestion. We were afraid to take a biopsy before. My vets know very little, and were afraid taking a biopsy might cause rapid growth.
I'm gonna try though. We need to know for sure what we're dealing with so we can make some decisions. I'm giving SQ fluids now and working on a slurry mix of food for him because he's come off his food, and has thrown up. He's currently our of his big cage and in nursery. Someone also suggested Reglan which I have access to, but don't know the proper dosing. I have access to antibiotics, Buprenex, and Metacam among other things, just don't know what is ok to give him, or how to dose him. :O(

[Pam]

I don't know much about Buprenex other than it's a narcotic and much stronger than Metacam. Does The Squiz seem to be in pain? You can give him Metacam if you think he is. I've given it to my pet squirrel.

Do you know how much The Squiz weighs?

[Buddy'sMom]

lil kitten, metacam has been given to many squirrels for pain and members here can help you with the dose.

There have been discussions about other pain meds -- in particular we were trying to identify one that could be given to a squirrel also getting dex (as you may already know, they cannot both be given -- too hard on the stomach). It was suggested by knowledgeable members that an opiate painkiller such as buprinex or torbutrol could be safely used. One of our members (Tori) is a vet tech and said that she would be able to obtain dosing info for either of these -- I believe she can be reached by PM or email if you need her help. Tramadol was also mentioned but since it is newer, there is less experience with squirrels and other animals (maybe, none?).

Here is the thread the discussion is in: http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13307&highlight=dexamethasone

All the best to you and Squiz! ... and :Welcome

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Pointy Tale]

I do not have any experience to offer you, but I will pray for The Squiz and hope he gets all of the help he needs.