From:
"kazpat1@juno.com"
Date: 2004-08-12 02:40:52 UTC
Subject: how long on pred before surgery ok?
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-Id: <20785379.1092283383998.JavaMail.nobody@magnesium.smartgroups.com>
I had a few ferrets on pred and then have surgery done, one was on it only a week,
one for 2 months. In some older ferrets with long time insulinoma they can become
diabetic because of "burnout" - although pretty rare. The main concern with taking
the pred and surgery is that pred. can suppress the immune system and delay
healing. But as far as i know ferrets are resistant to some of those side effects and
it shouldn't cause any problems. Just talk to your vet about it.
I had good success with the surgery in three of mine, two were found with the
growths during adrenal surgery, one was diagnosed after a seizure and operated on
within a week. He actually is 3 years post op now and just started to need the
prednisone again. I have heard of others with not such good success - but it
probably depends on the extent of the pancreas involved at time of surgery.
Don't forget to start a high protein supplement, like the second stage meat baby
food, or Bob Church's chicken gravy feedings maybe 1 or so ounces a day= it really
helps keep the blood sugars stable during the day.
Patty
-- ifixrex2000@yahoo.com wrote:
My 6 y.o. ferret has been on pred for close to 1 month b/c of insulinoma (1.25 mg/
day, weighs 3.2 lbs). We are considering surgery still. How long is too long for him
to take the pred before doing the surgery? I understand that after having too much
insulin in his system his receptors will "burn out".
Thanks in advance