From:
tanya@screentechinc.com
Date: 2003-02-07 00:13:32 UTC
Subject: Valvular disease and insulimona all in one ferret : (
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <26519599.1044576812382.JavaMail.root@scandium>
This is really my first post. I guess you can say that's good. I'm hoping that Dr. Wms, et al, can give me some ideas for my 6 y/o boy Max. I am not a medical person whatsoever, so I hope you can forgive how I describe his problems.
About a month ago, Max was diagnosed with valvular disease. The mitral valve has a pretty large hole in it. The diagnosis was discovered when I took Max in for a routine check up. His blood glucose came back in the mid 30's and a subsequent insulin test revealed full blown insulinoma (I don't have all the specs with me at this time - but can post them later if needed) I started Max on .3cc, 2x a day of pred for about 2 weeks. He began to cough and became very lethargic despite the pred. I took him back in and a ultrasound revealed a hole in the mitral valve. I was told that this diagnosis was uncommon and there wasn't a lot of case history with stats to refer to.
Since than he has been on .3cc's of proglycem 2x a day. I was told by my vet there wasn't any meds that could be used for the valvular problem and until he began to show other symptoms that lasix did not need to be used. So basically the prognosis was just wait and see how the heart problem progressed. In the meantime, the proglycem has been compounded into a flavor that he obviously does not like (tutti frutti). (I am going to request a new flavor on the next order.)
Is there anything else I can give him for the insulinoma? Currently he has lost a lot of muscle mass and his activity level is low. He hates taking the med and I have to fight him every time. He pees when he sees the syringe and he clenches his teeth like I'm going to poison him. Today about 10 minutes after I gave him the meds, I noticed he was scratching at his mouth (just like when I used to give him bitter apple, so I know he hates the taste of the proglycem) and his hair was all bottle brushed. He refused any and all treats to wash away the taste and he also refused to eat today. Of course this has me worried. He sleeps most of the day away unless I rouse him. I don't know if the proglycem is actually helping him or making him feel worse. I will get a recheck on his glucose, but in the mean time is there anything you can suggest to help the insulinoma but not be a detriment to his heart condition?
Also any insight you can give me or direct me to regarding valvular disease would be appreciated.
Thanks so much.
Tanya
PS - I was at the LV convention and I have to say how incredibly indebted the ferret community is to have you on our side : )