From:
DonRull@aol.com
Date: 2006-06-06 20:15:42 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Diarrhea, weakness
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Why do you start Pred and then stop it? If the ferret is on it and it is
working then it should probably remain on it for life. You might also talk to
a knowledgeable vet about using Diazoxide for the treatment. Since the
ferret responds to Pred, it is almost certainly Insulinoma.
On another note, there is a surgical option to remove the tumor causing the
Insulinoma symptoms...although surgery does not always fully resolve the
problem.
Runny stool is common in ferrets with Insulinoma.
If you want the best care for your ferret, you are going to have to start
testing the blood glucose at home. This will probably have to be done 2x per
day and charted. Once you find the formula to get the blood glucose up, then
you can test less often.
What is happening to your ferret is the same stuff that happen to humans
with dangerously low BG. The ferret just feels awful. Also, some people think
the low BG is just the ferret being sick and untreatable. If left untreated,
many ferrets die quietly (although some have severe seizures). This is not
humane though as their death is the result of many hours, days, months of
neglect and improper treatment for their condition.
What area are you in?
Oh, 7 years old is about the age most problem start showing up. It can be
earlier or later, but many of mine started symptoms of Insulinoma and Adrenal
at about that age.
Don
In a message dated 6/6/2006 2:25:24 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
maikeru207@yahoo.com writes:
Hi, I would like some guidance regarding the diagnosis/treatment of my
ferret. The following is a somewhat brief history:
In March 2006 we left our ferret, Bu, with friends during a two week trip.
Our friends have 2 dogs and 7 ferrets; all healthy. Bu quickly developed
diarrhea, lost his appetite, and gagging. We returned and a vet visit turned up
a negative abdominal x-ray and a low blood sugar of 54 (I think). Negative
fecal float for parasites. No definitive diagnosis.
Vet notes possibility of Insulinoma vs. GI disorder.
Subcutaneous fluids helped. Metronizadole seemed to decrease the diarrhea.
.5mg of Prednisone 2x/day with phase out not much help. He began to eat
blended kibble in addition to chicken baby food, but then went back to only
chicken baby food.
Back on Pred .5mg 2x/day.
About 10 days ago he was very weak, unable to stand on tile floor, and
unstable on carpet. Pred increased to 1mg 2x/day and Bu improved dramatically.
More active, eating dry kibble, decreasing diarrhea, played for the first time
in 2 months, and increased weight.
Attempt to decrease Pred starting yesterday to .5mg 2x/day has resulted in
less activity and increased diarrhea. Also, I don't know if this is related,
but his ears always seem to itch more than normal when he is declining.
I need some guidance on further diagnostic testing or treatment ideas. Our
vet is not a ferret specialist and is trying to find a specialist in our
area. In the meantime, should I just bump the Pred back up to 1mg 2x/day to
treat based on symptoms?
Thanks for any help. I forgot to mention that Bu is approximately 7 years
old.
Michael
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