From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2003-05-26 19:38:07 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Is minnie sick??
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Cc: amwalker@aceinter.net
Message-Id: <20030526153807.195cc170.whiteweasel@earthlink.net>
On Mon, 26 May 2003 07:56:12 -0400
anna walker <amwalker@aceinter.net> wrote:
> Hi everyone, I have a 3 yr old markerd white that go's into the
> kitchen and just sits and looks off into space after she gets her
> small piece of tomato.
Hi, Anna,
I am going to repeat some of what Sukie said. This sounds like
insulinoma, which can be treated medically or surgically depending on
your little girl's condition. The important thing is that you get her
to a vet ASAP to find out. One of the reasons we did surgery on Kodo at
age eight was because we couldn't get his blood glucose up any other
way. The point our vet made is that extended hypoglycemia (low blood
sugar) will not allow the neurons of the brain to fire properly.
> She just sits there and you may see her shake everyonce and a whail.
The shaking could be a seizure, and again, that could be insulinoma or
something else. Crying, as Sukie said, is not normal. It sounds like
she is in pain. For her sake, don't let her suffer. Get her to a vet
who can find out what is wrong and get her feeling well again.
> And
> this morning I picked up her poop of the rug and it was almost a black
> color.
As Sukie said, that is a sign of injested blood. It sounds like more
than just insulinoma is involved.
> [...] and she
> has been going to bed earlyer than usual.
Lethargy and/or low activity is another sign of insulinoma, but it could
also be something else.
> Is there
> something wrong with her that I need the vet to check out?
Absolutely. Minnie needs to see the vet as soon as possible. If you
put a little karo syrup or honey on her gums and she stops spacing out
and becomes more alert you will know that her blood glucose is low.
Also, stop feeding her tomatoes. Ferrets get little or no nutrition
from fruits and vegetables. Also, tomatoes are acidic, and if the black
stool is from an ulcer you are making it worse. Stick with meat, ferret
food, and meat based treats.
The usual disclaimer applies: I am not a vet, I don't play one on TV,
and am merely a moderately experienced ferret owner. Only a vet who
examines Minnie can give you definite answers.
All the best to you and to Minnie.
Good luck!
Caity and the non-stop nine
All the best,