From:
sprite@ksu.edu
Date: 2005-02-28 21:41:21 UTC
Subject: insulinoma
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <8244517.1109626881990.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Some of the early signs of low glucose are wobbling, disoriented, staring o=
ff, salivating, gacking (a sound between a cough and a dry heave). If I ca=
tch them at this stage, I add a bit of honey to a serving of recipe, feed t=
hem, then give them a small dose of pediapred (if it is their normal dose t=
ime they get the full dose). If the little one is having a seizure, I use a=
honey stick to apply honey to the gums. If I don't have a honey stick I p=
ull up the honey in a syringe (no needle) and apply it, being very careful =
not to damage their gums. I mix in a 50% dextrose solution with the honey =
before applying. In extreme episodes, the dextrose was placed gently into =
the rectum where it can be absorbed relatively quickly. You may want to ta=
lk to your vet about this procedure in case it is ever needed. For the lit=
tle ones that don't stabilize on recipe feedings and pediapred, I add 1/2 c=
c of honey to each of their recipe servings (3-4 a day) which has seemed to=
work well and allowed them to be stabilized. I've had ferrets that do not=
respond to generic prednisilone but did respond to the name brand, Pediapr=
ed. I've also had ferrets that needed their prednisilone divided into 3 da=
ily dosages instead of 2. Ferrets with insulinoma tend to sleep longer, he=
nce eating less frequently so waking them for meals may be necessary.
tle
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