From:
cindy643@hotmail.com
Date: 2005-05-04 22:26:00 UTC
Subject: Insulinoma and Dexamethasone
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <6650500.1115245560365.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Our 5 1/2 year old Beezle was diagnosed with insulinoma yesterday. Her blood sugar (using a glucometer, which I understand can be inaccurate) was an incredibly low 35. We took her to the vet because she had a seizure the night before; we fortunately knew what to do because we had already lost a ferret to insulinoma. Beezle really didn't show any symptoms before the seizure except that she seemed to sleep more.
Our vet is not the same vet who treated our first ferret with insulinoma. Our current vet has Beezle on dexamethasone and was unenthusastic about surgery. Her dex dose is one drop twice a day; that can be a little nerve-wracking as trying to use an eyedropper is much tougher than an oral syringe with a measure dose. I am equally afraid of underdosing and overdosing her.
We used pred in very measured doses for our last case of insulinoma. I have looked through past posts, but there is not much there on dex use. I am not sure how comfortable I am that we are not using a measured dose, especially since it is frequently described as stronger than pred. Can anyone give me any insight on the dex? Also, any thoughts on surgery in a case with rapid onset like this one? Finally, does anyone have any thoughts on treats for a ferret with insulinoma? She will never forgive me if I cut her off from treats!