Message Number: SG5572 | New FHL Archives Search
From: williamsdvm@comcast.net
Date: 2003-07-30 02:04:47 UTC
Subject: RE: [ferrethealth] Typical Insulinoma protocol
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <2301071.1059530687859.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>

Dear Melissa:

While clinical signs are one way to tell if surgery has not cured the insulinoma, a blood glucose value is a more sensitive sign. Many ferrets adjust to lower than normal blood sugars, and may be asymptomatic into the high 40's.

Prednisone administration in ferrets should truly be based on BG levels to preclude clinical signs. Clinical sings of hypoglycemia are a definite indicator to start prednisone administration in a non-surgical candidate. However prednisone is not necessarily warranted in ferrets with a history of surgically treated insulinoma.

With kindest regards,

Bruce Williams, DVM
Author wrote:

> Now that he doesn't need Prednisone anymore, I'm wondering if it's a good idea
> to keep him on it for the insulinoma. Vet said you don't treat insulinoma until
> he shows signs that it's bothering him. What's the typical protocol? I've
> heard many people tell me that once insulinoma is found, they are treated with
> some kind of medication forever, even if it's in the beginning stage.

End of ferrethealth Digest
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