From:
caitlynmaire@earthlink.net
Date: 2002-06-03 09:30:00 UTC
Subject: Re: insulinoma
Hi,
> His blood sugar was 72, which was taken about
> 15 minutes after eating 6 raisins, which she thought indicated
> insulinoma.
I'm not a vet, but what she is saying sounds absolutely correct to me.
A blood glucose under 80 is not normal, and after eating raisins his
blood glucose value would have gone up. Also, the crash that you
describe does sound like a hypoglycemic incident. If it happens again,
give him a little Karo syrup or honey on his gums. If he snaps out of
it you know for sure.
> She explained the options to me. Then she showed me the x-
> rays and pointed a very large mass that is pushing his intestines to
> one side. She said if it is insulinoma, it is largest one she has
> ever seen.
That does not sound like insulinoma.
> Also, his WBC is very low, but she offered no explaination
> for this as she going to consult with another vet tomorrow morning
> regarding the x-ray and blood work. I guess my question is, how far
> does one go with a 7 year old ferret?
As far as necessary *if* Elliot is otherwise strong. As I have already
posted for someone else, Podo had adrenal surgery at age seven and a
half. It was a large right tumor and my vet had to ligate the vena cava
to get all of it. That is considered a difficult surgery for a ferret
at *any* age and Podo recovered very quickly and is 100% back to normal.
I'd say it's a matter of whether or not your ferret has other
underlying health problems that could make the surgery unduly risky for
him.
My vet would probably do an exploratory surgery on him just to see what
is wrong. I was around when a vet at our emergency clinic did one on an
eight year old rescue, and she, too, bounced back really quickly.
> He had surgery for skin cancer
> last summer and recovered extremely well, but as much as I hate to
> say this, if it is insulinoma, do I think about the quality of life
> vs putting him through surgery for this at his age?
Right now quality of life should be the big issue. It would be for one
of my ferts. If surgery was too risky my vet would treat the insulinoma
medically (i.e.: pediapred) to keep the ferret comfortable and happy. I
think you really need to go over the options with your vet and decide
what is best for your ferret together. Surgery may buy Elliot both a
better quality and more quantity of life if he is strong enough to
recover well again. That is a judgement you and your vet will have to
make. I know if either Podo or Kodo (my old guys) were in the same
situation I would trust my vet's judgement. I'm fortunate to have an
outstanding, experienced ferret vet. Hopefully your vet is too.
Good luck to you and to Elliot.
All the best,
Caity and the notorious nine