Message Number: YG10932 | New FHL Archives Search
From: miamiferret
Date: 2002-02-09 23:26:00 UTC
Subject: Re: normal glucose levels?

Hypoglycemia as a result of insulinoma can cause nausea but generally
doesn't result in vomiting. I always think blockage first if the
ferret vomits more than once and there are no other symptoms.

79 mg/dl is a bit low for her glucose level (normal is around 90-125
mg/dl). For a ferret that has had a gradual decrease in glucose
levels, 79 would probably not cause the signs you're seeing. But if
her glucose is usually a high normal, a sudden drop to 79 might
result in a glassy eyed, spaced out moment. I've had ferrets with
much lower levels than that who were asymptomatic.

I'd test her glucose levels regularly to see if you get readings
consistently in the 70's or lower. If so, insulinoma is a
possibility.

mike

--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "C. Vick" <cmvick@u...> wrote:
> I'm still trying to figure out what is wrong with my little Bell.
She has
> stopped vomiting, but now she has moments that seem like low blood
sugar
> stupors. Glassy eyes, droopy head, no energy, just staring for a
minute.
> I'm thinking she has an insulinoma. I tested her glucose and it
was 79.
> That's great for human, but I don't know what normal ferret levels
are.
> Thanks for your help
> Cynthia and Bell (and Rascal and Funk!)