From:
ifixrex2000
Date: 2002-02-22 11:59:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Insulinoma surgery
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., GRNTEE@a... wrote:
> My Bria is eight years old now. She definitely
>has insulinoma, but we are really in turmoil over surgery or not. >I
>have Bria on Pediapred now and she is responding wonderfully to the
>medicine.
I am not a vet. I have had three ferrets go through surgery for
isulinoma (ages 5.5, 3 and 3 yrs.). Of these, two turned out well.
The oldest of these died on the table, but not from the insulinoma
part of the surgery (he bled uncontrollably from a biopsy site on the
liver).
I am 100% in favor of insulinoma surgery for ferrets under 5 who are
healthy. I've never been fortunate enough to have a ferret live to 8.
It is my understanding that surgery risk increases greatly after age
5. I personally would stick with the pediapred if it's working well
rather than risking surgery.
I have had a hard time in the past accepting not choosing the most
aggressive option for treatment, so I understand that aspect of it as
well. Just be aware of the risks truly involved.
Good Luck!