From:
sukiec@optonline.com
Date: 2003-03-24 21:25:05 UTC
Subject: RE: Prolapsed rectum
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <2755388.1048541105986.JavaMail.root@scandium>
Author wrote:
> Loose stool can be a contributing factor in a prolapsed rectum. Having nothing firm to push against, the rectum becomes prolapsed. So if his stool is loose, this is likely a factor rather than the prolapsed rectum causing loose stool.
I completely agree, and insulinoma can be a cause of loose stools.
Insulinoma: how have you chosen to tackle it? Early surgery by a ferret knowledgeable is usually best, but if that is impossible then usually Prednisone or Prednisolone combined with (or later joined by ) Diazoxide is the way to go. Ferrets tolerate Pred wonderfully and many well tolerate much higher doses than had once been thought were okay for them though that doesn't mean that high doses should be rushed into -- just that they are there when eventually needed for many. Response to Diazoxide varies with some individuals doing very well on it and some not. Doses need adjusting over the length of the illness. You'll find a lot on treating this condition in the FHL Archives.
Prolapse: one that is minor can just be moisturized with a safe lubricant and it will go in. Ones that are somewhat worse can be helped in with plain hemmoroid or a plain cortizone cream (or the two combined) as per your vet's recommendations/cautions and the past vets' posts in the FHL archives. One that is worse than that should be placed back in by the vet and then a simply pursestring stitching can be done to tighten the rectum. We have had 2 ferrets have this and both minded the stitches less than the prolapses.