From:
Shelley Knudsen
Date: 2002-04-13 10:37:00 UTC
Subject: Re: 8 yr old stumbling ferret
Hello,
If you haven't already, I would definitely get your ferret's
blood glucose checked by your vet. A simple glucose check is
relatively inexpensive, and could rule out insulinoma. A 3-4
hour fast would be needed, no more, no less. If his blood
glucose is above 80, then a full blood test (CBC, chem panel)
may be in order to rule out other diseases. If it is between
70-80, a retest a few days later is advised, if it is below
70, it is most likely insulinoma, although a retest is always
a good idea when diagnosing insulinoma. Hind limb weakness
can signify many different things, the most common being
insulinoma, but there are other things it could indicate too.
Ulcers however rarely present with hind limb weakness as a
primary symptom, they more likely will cause teeth grinding,
lack of appetite, and tarry looking stools.
Good luck, and dooks to your fuzzies,
Shelley Knudsen
Class of 2004 KSU Veterinary College
ferrets@kansas.net sknudsen@vet.ksu.edu
http://www.tcgcs.com/~ferrets
785-565-9041 cel402-984-4217
"There ain't no limit in this life to how far you can get,
but if you're going all the way, you gotta break a sweat."
- Chad Brock