Message Number: SG15866 | New FHL Archives Search
From: Jen Phillips
Date: 2005-11-02 20:37:45 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Insulinoma
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com

Greetings,

I have a sweet little guy named Duke who turns 5 this month. He was
diagnosed with insulinoma based on symptoms back on July 22, and put
on 1 ml of Prednisolone at 5mg/5ml. His blood glucose was 139 at his
visit, but his rear end weakness and occasional drunken appearance
told us it was likely insulinoma. The Pred seemed to help him get
stronger and his appetite increased.

It's been 3 months since he was put on the Pred, and I'm seeing the
same symptoms again. He is getting hind end weakness and sometimes
loses his balance while walking. He lost some weight, when he should
be gaining for winter. He weighed 2.5 Lbs. in July, and now weighs 2
Lbs. even. I've already made an appointment for him (tomorrow), but
I was hoping to get some suggestions from you all about surgical vs.
medical treatment. Both vets that I've talked with about insulinoma
have said that the surgery is something that is controversial among
vets, and that they'd do it if I felt that was the way to go, but
drugs seem to be their preference.

I just wonder if it's a mistake to NOT try surgery. This is our
first ferret to have insulinoma, and although I've done reading on
it, I'm still not sure what is best at this point. I just feel like
I'm watching him go downhill fast, despite the meds. I'm sure an
increase in his dosage will be prescribed, but are we just wasting
precious time by not doing surgery? And at this rate, how long will
meds even help him?

I'd really like to hear some thoughts on this. Thanks in advance.

A worried ferret mom,
Jen

Happy Dookin',
The Hidey Hole Gang - http://www.hideyhole.org/
Jen, Mike & The Critters
The Ferrets - Loki, Fria, Vivi & Duke
The Rats - Ruby, Selphie, Boo, Rikku & Trillian
The Chicken - Dixie
Missing Jamocha (ferret), Algernon, Plato & Mystique(rats) & Punk (hedgehog)




====================================================================<<<
Whatever you Wanadoo, click below:
http://ads.smartgroups.com/adclick/CID=000000b7c79a99a500000000
====================================================================>>>
--
If you want to share pictures, use the calendar, or start a vote
visit http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/ferrethealth

To leave the group, email: ferrethealth-unsubscribe@smartgroups.com

Report abuse http://www.smartgroups.com/text/abusereport.cfm?gid%3D1423922&mid%3D15866