From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2003-01-10 15:40:06 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Home Glucose test result - 28!
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-Id: <20030110104006.318b6269.whiteweasel@earthlink.net>
Hi, Lisa, and everyone else,
We had a similar problem with Kodo before his insulinoma surgery. No
matter how much prednisone we gave him his blood glucose remained
between 27 and 42. I would not suggesting giving lots of sugary stuff.
I think a trip to the vet is a better choice.
First, your vet can try a higher prednisone dosage. When Kodo's
symptoms started to return four months after surgery we initially put
him on .1ml of pediapred daily, but after a week or two he really wasn't
doing well. He's now on .25ml split into .15ml in the morning and .1ml
in the afternoon, and there has been significant improvement. His last
blood glucose reading was 88. I've had ferrets on as much as .6ml per
day.
Second, I've heard that some people get good results with
diazoxide/proglycem when pred doesn't work. That's also worth
discussing with your vet.
Melissa has already had insulinoma surgery, right? Not long ago either,
if memory serves. Depending on how much of the pancreas was taken it's
possible a further surgery is an option. In Kodo's case it isn't, but
more meds are working.
The usual disclaimer applies: I am not a vet, just a ferret owner who's
dealt with insulinoma in four of her ferrets.
All the best,
Caity and the non-stop nine