From:
mjanke@miamiferret.org
Date: 2002-08-17 12:59:37 UTC
Subject: RE: Post insulinoma surgery
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <6672352.1029589177726.JavaMail.root@scandium>
That was pretty major surgery and I wouldn't expect him to be bounding about just yet. In my experience, a ferret of that age will take 2-3 days before they start to feel a little better.
Most of mine that were older have not eaten on their own for the first few days at least and they want to do nothing but sleep. I keep them confined for at least a week and sometimes until their sutures are taken out, which is usually around the 10 day mark.
Black stool possibly means digested blood from an ulcer. But often it can be just dark and it's not really black. I'd keep an eye on it and if you have doubts, bring a sample in to your vet. Since it appears he's not eating, you should have him on a bland diet.
Another thing to keep in mind is that after surgery for insulinoma, their blood sugar can often skyrocket temporarily.
mike
Author wrote:
> Reno, my 5.1/2 year old ferret underwent surgery yesterday. It went well and he is now slowly recovering. I am concerned over his lethargy and the fact that he is not eating (again this was only 24 hours ago and I am probably just a very nervous mom..)