Message Number: YG12390 | New FHL Archives Search
From: deevecchione
Date: 2002-04-09 18:06:00 UTC
Subject: Molly - insulinoma treatment decisions

Hi FHL,

Molly, my 6 year old sprite isn't doing so great. She was diagnosed
with Insulinoma based upon a 4 hour fasting glucose of 70. I took her
for a blood work-up because she had diarrhea. I just lost a ferret
from complications related to IBD, so I'm really worried about her.

I've been giving her .25 mg of pred twice daily and feeding her duck
soup consisting of A/D, baby food, and canned pumpkin. For the most
part her stools are nice and firm, but every few days, the mucousy
stuff reappears. Her energy level ebbs and flows. She only trots
around for a few minutes at a time. She speed bumps a lot, especially
after eating. She acts uncomfortable and stretches out on her belly.

I guess I'll be taking her back for a chest x-ray and maybe an
ultrasound. I hate to think about putting her through surgery at her
age, especially with possible IBD. Would it even be worth it, with
such a high recurrence of the neoplasms? Would it be better for her,
at her age, to just try managing it with meds?

I'm just so torn about what to do for her. I see her lying there with
teary eyes and I can't help but think she's in pain. God, I wish
these guys could talk! You know, I'm really thinking about calling a
local pet psychic and having her ask Molly questions. Like, is she in
pain? Where does it hurt? What can I do to help her feel better?
Would she want surgery?

Well...thanks for listening. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Dodie