Message Number: SG4669 | New FHL Archives Search
From: Yvon358@aol.com
Date: 2003-05-24 16:28:15 UTC
Subject: insulinoma/chromium?
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <159.1faff46d.2c00f79f@aol.com>

In a message dated 5/24/03 11:35:12 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
ferretfanatic@comcast.net writes:

> Brewer's Yeast is used to help with diabetes, not insulinoma. It helps
> to lower and stabilize blood glucose. It is not something you want to
> use on a ferret with low blood glucose.
>

Thanks.... that's interesting. I got the information from Dr.Purcell's book
"Essentials of Ferrets". The statement I referenced was in a section
specifically dealing with the management of insulinoma.

To the other person who posted.... 65 was the reading done at the vets
office, an hour away from home, 30 days post-op (debulking - 20%). The ferret
probably hadn't eaten for apx. 2-3 hours before the test. He is a rescue... good
health, otherwise, but not certain of his age.... maybe 5. He has only
recently (just days before the surgery) displayed signs of insulinoma... hind end
weakness... wobbly.... falling over. Also, he's bilateral.

I asked specifically about increasing the pred. dosage and was told "no".
But, that I had to make sure he was eating. He does. Lots. And, his energy is
up and he's gained 2-3oz. I will ask about the Prednisolone.

I've used the search feature, but keyed in "insulinoma"... I'll try
"chromium/brewer's yeast" although it sounds as if I shouldn't bother. I certainly
don't want to make him worse. Has the "school of thought" changed since Dr.
Purcell published her book? If you have the book.... take a look on p.97, middle
of the 1st paragraph. Am I reading incorrectly?

Anyway, I think I've answered your questions. Thanks to both of you for
responding. I do plan on purchasing a glucose meter. I'd like to keep ahead of
the game.

-Y-