From:
FerretGM@yahoo.com
Date: 2003-01-10 16:36:36 UTC
Subject: RE: Home Glucose test result - 28!
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <32888258.1042216596426.JavaMail.root@scandium>
Author wrote:
> I just checked Melissa glucose at home and it was 28. Even lower than at the vet!
I have heard that those home glucose tests are like scales - they can consistently measure a little over or a little under the "actual" reading. It's possible that your test is reading a little low.
>However except for the weakness, she looks good and is moving around in her cage.
That is wonderful news!
> I suppose for now I will do what ever I can to get the glucose up, right? Karo mixed with water maybe? Maybe I can get a dextose drip at the vet?
You might ask your vet what he/she recommends. This many days after surgery, I would expect to see the blood sugar coming up by now. It is likely that the vet would recommend both supplemental sugar (in combination with protein meals) and proglycem, for a limited amount of time. It does sometimes require extraordinary measures to get them back on their feet after a bad attack like this.
In contrast to other responders, though, I would be *extremely* hesitant to consider near-term surgery on an animal that has had such consistently low blood sugar. The fasting and anesthesia required for another surgery would further exacerbate the low blood sugar problem, and make it harder to heal, for at least a few days before it started to help, and with all the other effects she's had, I don't know that I would be comfortable with the chance of further decreasing the blood sugar level. If this were my ferret, I would concentrate on getting her stable, and then re-evaluate the options once that's achieved.
Best Wishes
melissa