From:
Sukie Crandall
Date: 2002-11-12 20:17:31 UTC
Subject: Re: Help with insulinoma
To: TR1212@aol.com, ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-Id: <a05200f01b9f70f3eae5f@[10.0.1.11]>
>If I'm not mistaken, pred can be hard on the kidneys.
I have not read of that actually happening in ferrets. The vets will
know better.
>Each time I take him to the vet whoever is examining him mentions
>that his bladder is huge. Also, I have noticed that he
>dribbles >occasionally after he pees. Could there be a problem or is
>this normal?
Have you considered the possibility of a prostate problem secondary
to adrenal neoplasia? There is a compilation in the Files which may
help you decide if this sounds like him:
http://www.smartgroups.com/vault/ferrethealth/prostate.txt
>Next, this morning I noticed him rubbing his paws up behind the
>backs of his ears.
That is usually just part of the normal process of moving scent from
some glands there to over the face. The full process looks kind of
like face washing and they sometimes will hold their paws over their
noses and force themselves to sneeze or blow their noses which
loosens more musk. (Sniff them there right after and you'll see.)
Sometimes if the ears badly need a cleaning or there are mites a
ferret will rub them. This differs a great deal from pawing at the
mouth which can indicate nausea, mouth injury, etc.
>I think I also read that pred can cause ulcers.
Yes. We had that concern with Warpie who was on huge doses and prone
to GI tract problems but she luckily never got them. In her case we
kept Carafate handy but used it only if she showed any possible
symptoms: tarry feces (which she never got), nausea, etc.
>And lastly. Would you do another surgery for insulinoma? He did
well with his last one and I'm thinking that if it could prolong
the >use of the meds, or at least higher doses, maybe this is the way
to go.
Sometimes it is the way to go, and at times removal of a section of
the pancreas works best. If he is getting possible adrenal problems
resulting in prostate problems he'll strongly be best off with the
bad adrenal cared for surgically and the pancreas can be tackled at
the same time.
As always, I'm not a vet...
End of ferrethealth Digest
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