From:
psessoms@gmail.com
Date: 2006-05-09 13:52:05 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Diabetes after pancreatectomy
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
> Kodo's
> glucose was finally down to 129.
Yahoo! Oh, that's fabulous.
> * Does this sound like a good plan or aren't the meds being cut back
> quick enough?
It sounds to me like you are doing just fine and that everything is resolving very well.
> * Kodo was not checked for kidney function. Should we be concerned and
> possibly check for ketones using the strips for humans?
If he seems fine, and if his urine is normal-looking, then with his BG coming down so well, you are probably OK on the kidneys. With kidney problems, the ability for the kidneys to concentrate the urine is diminished, and waste products stay in the system longer. So, the urine looks clear instead of pale yellow, and it will be in larger volumes than normal. Keep in mind if the ferret is getting supplemental fluids, you'll see the urine look watery and abundant too, but it would be normal then. You would get concerned if the urine looked like this consistently.
About the urine strips - since you'll still be giving pred here and there for a short time, it might not hurt to get some of those strips. They have some called keto-diastix that will look for sugar and ketones on the same strip. If his BG goes above about 200, you'll start to see sugar in the urine. Don't panic if the urine strip reads truly huge amounts of sugar; every diabetic ferret I've had has had urine sugar nearly off the charts even when their BG was only in the 200's. Use a sugar-positive urine dip as an indicator that you need to check a BG.
If you see any ketones at all, call the vet. I seriously doubt you'll see ketones, though, because his BG has come down, and he's feeling good enough to eat and drink. Ferrets getting into trouble with ketoacidosis act like they are sick, sick, sick. You'll also probably be able to smell a sweet or acetone (nail polish remover) scent to his breath if he is in serious trouble.
Anyway, since I've had several ferrets go diabetic, I love having those strips on hand. Very convenient and good for my peace of mind.
> * If he's drinking water regularly, should we still be giving him the
> SubQ fluids?
If he seems dehydrated, yes. Even mild diabetes is dehydrating, and his BG might spike temporarily after he's given a pred dose. As long as you don't over do it, and there is no heart disease, it's probably better safe than sorry.
> He seems to be eating and drinking fairly well on his own, which is good
> to see.
That is probably the best news of all! :)
Best wishes,
-Pam S.
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