From:
Angela Espinet
Date: 2003-12-02 06:36:17 UTC
Subject: Re: pancreatomy advice!
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <20031202063617.5279.qmail@web21409.mail.yahoo.com>
I would just like to add my two bits here. I
haven't done a scientific study, but averaged 40
ferrets with insulinoma, for the last 5 years of
running the shelter in Miami, and they were only
treated with Prednisone and supplemental feedings of
Babyfood and A/D and most went on to live 3-5 years,
even with other illnesses added to that.
Medication is not sufficient alone, but feeding a
high meat protein such as babyfood at regular
intervals, helps the blood glucose stabilize along
with Pred. The ferret is more likely to eat it's dry
kibble more frequently also, preventing those highs
and lows, typical in ferrets with hypoglycemia.
My ferret's average lifespan is 9 1/2 years and
the last oldest one who died recently, was 11 years
and he had insulinoma for several of those years. He
ate his chicken 3 times a day out of a bowl, until the
last week of his life and even though totally blind,
ran around as if he was a youngster.
Originally surgeries were performed on my own
personal ferrets and sometimes shelter ferrets and
with several different vets, all experienced and I
never had any success, plus the surgeries were so
stressful! I decided after losing several of my very
favorite ferrets at 4-5 years of age after surgery,
that I would find a way to maintain them medically and
with that I have had great success.
If one should choose this method, then checking
the blood glucose frequently, from 2 weeks to a month,
would indicate if the ferret needs the pred dose
adjusting and consult with your vet on how much. Too
many times I have noticed that owners start the pred
and then neglect monitoring its effectiveness, it
really is essential to make sure the dosage being
given is the right dose at any given time---Angela.
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