Message Number: YG12260 | New FHL Archives Search
From: Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2002-04-04 10:53:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Recommended tests for older ferret

Hi, Dianna, and everyone else,

> I was wondering if there are any tests
> you may recommend to get done on my 3.5 year old. She seems to be
> pretty healthy, but I do notice that she tires alot quicker than my
> other one. She also seems to space out every now and then. Usually
> at night when I take them out of their room and run around the house
> with them, as soon as she gets tired she will lay down and just stare
> for a minute or two. She just seems to be really worn out. I'm not
> sure if thats normal or not.

It's not normal. Ferrets at that age should still be little he**
raisers. Heck, my Kodo is four years older than that and you should
watch him bounce around. Spacing out and lethargy could be caused by a
lot of things, but insulinoma would probably be the most common reason.
That's how it started with our Lady Ayeka. I do think a vet visit is in
order, and I would have her blood glucose checked. At my vet that costs
all of $20, and is well worth it.

The good news is that if it is insulinoma, and if you've caught it
early, medication and/or surgery can keep the illness in check for quite
a long time. Some ferrets do live on for years and have a good quality
of life. I know our Lady Ayeka acts as if all is just fine right now.

Of course, it could be something else, so a thorough exam by your vet is
the best starting place.

All the best,
Caity and the notorious nine
Franklin Co., NC