From:
williamsdvm@comcast.net
Date: 2004-01-18 04:21:59 UTC
Subject: RE: possible newly diagnosed insulinoma
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <6293346.1074399719780.JavaMail.root@indium.smartgroups.com>
Dear Jamie - if he has shown signs of hypoglycemia, and his BG is 61, he will likely need surgery when your vet gets back. If there are no further signs, pred is not necessary,. but a little bit won't hurt him for ten days or so.
At surgery time, a good look at that right adrenal would be in order as well.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM
Author wrote:
> Buddy is 4, will be 5 this sept, 2004. His blood sugar tested @ 61 on Weds. The vet was leaving to go on a ten day trip. Told me what to watch for but didn't do anything for him. Did not say for sure that it was insulinoma, but why else would the number be that low?
> A little history: He had adrenal surgery in Oct. Only removed the left adrenal, the right was too large and full of cysts, so he left it in and just "cooked" it down and said he was pretty sure it would be good. He recovered fast and did well, until a couple of weeks back and now his hair has started falling out and he's itchy. I think the tumor on the right gland has come back with a vengance. I am going to look into the Lupron route for now. I don't want to put him through another surgery at this time if I don't have to.
> Back to the sugar level and not being given any meds. I have read up and talked with people, including another vet and they have said he should have been given PediaPred right then.
> I bought a glucometer to check his numbers but I can not bring myself to stick him. Any advice on the best way to get blood easily and as pain free as possible?
> I am going to get him pediapred asap tomorrow, because I too feel that he should be on it. Have adjusted his diet, no sugar snacks like ferret crunch etc........too bad, he really enjoys his crunchies from 8 n 1 and his yogurt treats.
> So here is what I want to know for now: Should he be on pediapred and whats the best way to draw blood for the meter?
> Thanks!
> Jamie and Buddy