Message Number: YG13345 | New FHL Archives Search
From: sukieferret
Date: 2002-05-29 15:22:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Insulinoma Surgery

> I believe that if they're on a dextrose IV, low
> glucose levels aren't a concern.

Mike's routine is the routine here, too. If there is known or
suspected insulinoma the fast is very short ot non-existant at
home but then it is continued ar the hospital with the IV in place
so the blood sugar levels stay high enough for safety, but the
regurgitation issue is handled.

Our vets have taken to doing an in-house blood glucose
number, too, before considering whether to do a fasting blood
glucose. If it's borderline or it's different than the symptoms
warrant then a fasting trial is tried to see there is early
insulinoma. If it's low even though the ferret has eaten recently
we pretty well know what we are dealing with. Although early
cases may be harder to diagnose and need that fast, finding it
early means that there is a better chance of having a fine
outcome from surgery.

Sent-out blood will have the levels drop so wil be lower than in-
house from that. For that reason our's also do an in-house
before they send out a CBC so if the blood eats the sugars too
much they will know if a satisfactory level was found earlier.

Hope that helps.