From:
Bruce Williams, DVM
Date: 2001-06-03 21:21:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Cataract Questions
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., " Angela" <louweasal@h...> wrote:
> I just had a question about how cataracs are connected to
insulinoma,
> just out of curiosity, and what other signs should I look for? I am
> going to take her to a vet, does anybody know of a decent vet in
the
> Savannah Georgia area? Thank you.
>
Dear Angela:
I have not heard about a strong connection between cataracts and
insulinoma. The development of cataracts with the antithesis of
insulinoma, i.e., diabetes mellitus, is well known. The mechanism
behind this is the elevation of glucose in the eye, which slowly
diffuses into the lens. For this reason, the lens takes on water,
and the cells of the lens balloon and disrupt, resulting in a
cataract.
Not many ferrets actually have cataract removal surgery, as these are
poorly sighted creatures, and the possibility of retinal disease may
make cataract surgery an exercise in futility. A visit with a
veterinary opthalmologist however, may do well to outline your
options in this case.
With kindest regards,
Bruce H. Williams, DVM, DACVP
Join the Ferret Health List at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ferret-Health-list