Message Number: YG5925 | New FHL Archives Search
From: Bruce Williams, DVM
Date: 2001-07-29 23:35:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Bloodwork

--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., Russell Prater <russellprater@w...>
wrote:
>
> We got the bloods back on Booger. (enlarged spleen and low blood
> glucose) The CBC and chems were unremarkable except for an elevated
> hemoglobin, which we assume is from the spleen.
>
> The insulin and BG looked like this;
> insulin 35.8 [5 - 20]
> ratio 63
> glucose 87 [80 - 120]
> So, what do you think?
>
> My vet is ordering Dr. Weiss' video on ferret surgery and as soon
as he
> feels he is capable we plan to remove the lumps from his pancreas
and
> that spleen. Do you agree with that?

I'm not much on insulin glucose ratios. However, with an elevated
insulin level, and obviously a history of hypoglycemia (an 87 is okay
though - is he currently on medication), insulinom should be strongly
suspected.

I don't think that the enlarged spleen is the cause of the elevated
hemoglobin - elevated Hb is an unusual finding, and is most commonly
seen in hemolytic anemias, but are accompanied by icterus, elevated
white counts, and high bilirubin, I am wondering about it's validity.)

However a big spleen that is obviously diminishing Booger's activity
is fine for removal.

With kindest regards,

bruce williams, DVM