Over the past few months, I’ve been watching with concern as Loki, our second-oldest girl, has lost weight and energy. Finally I was able to take her to a vet for examination, and have some bad news for those of you that know Loki: she has been diagnosed with lymphosarcoma (lymphoma). This is basically a cancer originating in the white blood cells that can cause tumors in various places in the body; in Loki’s case, there are several of a highly malignant variety in her bowels.
At the moment I don’t know much about what her quality or length of life will be. She has been prescribed prednisone, and I will be giving that to her twice a day, possibly for the rest of her life. With luck, it will arrest the progress of the cancer and help her become more healthy and comfortable, though it is not a cure.
Loki is 5 1/2 years old now, and, being a Marshall Farms ferret, we knew there was a strong possibility of disease coming her way around this age, whether adrenal, insulinoma, lymphoma, or something else. Even knowing all this, the news was still difficult to take. You better believe Loki is getting all the attention, love, and treats she can stand.
P.S. The photo was taken last night, while Loki slept in her new favorite spot: the blanket I always have on the couch (my first large knitting project, for what it’s worth). I let her out to run around, and after about 10 minutes, she climbs up on the couch—sometimes with my assistance—and curls up in her blanky.