From:
AFERRETVET@cs.com
Date: 2001-05-03 05:28:00 UTC
Subject: [Ferret-Health-list] RE: My very sick ferret
Hi Marlena,
The hair loss and swollen area is from an
adrenal gland problem. The foaming at the mouth
and convulsions are likely from an insulinoma.
This is a tumor of the pancreas that produces
too much insulin. Too much insulin causes the
blood sugar level to go to low and the ferret has
the convulsions. Unfortunately you do have a sick
ferret that needs to go to a vet. The vet can start
your ferret on Pediapred to help raise the blood
sugar level to prevent the seizures. Pediapred is a
low cost medicine, and that is where I would start.
The second low cost option is to give the 1 mg
melatonin tablet once a day about 9 hours after
sunrise to help control the adrenal gland problem.
If there is a local ferret shelter in your area, they
may be able to recommend a vet to go to, and let
the vet know from the beginning that cost is a
problem.
Good luck with her,
Jerry Murray, DVM