From:
Bruce Williams, DVM
Date: 2001-07-16 22:53:00 UTC
Subject: Re: pred cause burn out of receptors?
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., ifixrex2000@y... wrote:
> Does givig pred to an insulinomic ferret allow the receptors on
cells
> the detect insulin to "burn out" or become non-responsive? If so,
> does this mean it is not a good idea to treat a ferret with pred
and
> then stop the pred to do surgery?
Prednisone doesn't affect insulin receptors at all - it actually
increases the mobilization of fat and the manufacture or glucose by
the liver from building blocks of protein and more complex sugars.
If a ferret has been on pred to manage hypoglycemia, I generally do
not recommend stopping prednisone prior to surgery. It can be
stopped following surgery, and at this time, the blood glucose should
be monitored closely - there is often a post surgical hyperglycemia
that may be worsened by post-surgical prednisone administration.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM