Message Number: SG14533 | New FHL Archives Search
From: Xtasy Ferrets
Date: 2005-06-27 19:35:57 UTC
Subject: Fwd: [ferrethealth] glucose 500+, wasting, grouchy...diabetes?
To: motorcityferrets@hotmail.com,ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-Id: <25772535.1119906756098.JavaMail.nobody@chromium.smartgroups.com>

Hi Nanci-

I am NOT a vet but have been working as a rehab technician for 13 years
now-- what I have learned is:

Diabetes DOES occur in ferrets-- though not regularly.
a BG count of 500 certainly is indicative of diabetes.

The vet is doing everything right in MY estimation. I might even want more
BG checks rather than once a week!

Most often we hear of diabetes as a result of partial pancreatectomy-- as a
treatment for insulinoma. The diabetes occurs when too much of the good
tissue is taken and the BG soars.

The diabetes can be regulated with insulin I have known several ferrets
which have done exceedingly well on insulin therapy having 2 injections a
day. The type of insulin required is usually a pork base insulin.

Here in NH, Dr Anthony Guerino in Portsmouth, NH has done wonderfully well
in treating several cases of ferret diabetes
He has conferred with several US vets on the same topic over the years.

I do not think that you have to worry about the vet missing something
here-- I thinnk that getting the BG under control SOONER rather than later
is the MAIN point of concern.

Best Wishes,

Alicia at www.ferretwise.org

[Moderator's Note: vet name left in because he is not mentioned in relation to a
given case but as a possible consultant.]

End of ferrethealth Digest
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