Message Number: YG12266 | New FHL Archives Search
From: Crowley, Christy
Date: 2002-04-04 13:07:00 UTC
Subject: Insulinoma and Diet

My ferret Linus was recently diagnosed with insulinoma as well as adrenal
disease. He will undergo surgery on 4/16. He is currently on Prednisone
which he will only take if I put a drop of Ferretone in and let him lick out
of the palm of my hand.

I have reviewed the archives as well as the bookmarks and found lots of
information on insulinoma, which is new to me. However, in my reading, I
have not found any coherent information on changing a ferrets diet to
accomodate insulinoma. What I am looking for is a do's and don'ts type list
that says what is not good for ferrets with insulinoma as well as what is
acceptable regarding food / treats. For instance, Linus loves bananas and I
used to give him a couple of bites as a treat. But fruits tend to be high in
sugars so I am not sure if this is okay anymore. Plus, I have the usual
assortment of ferret treats such as bandits that all the ferrets (3 in
addition to Linus) get. He's very picky about his food as well. When I got
him he had been brought up on Kitten Chow. The other ferrets have adapted to
Totally Ferret, but Linus won't touch any of the ferret foods although he
has been known to nibble on Proplan's Turkey and Barley cat food. Should I
renew efforts to switch him to a ferret kibble? If anyone knows of any
particular posts or pages that I can find this information, I'd appreciate
any help.

Christy Crowley
Atlanta, GA (any other ferret people here?)