Message Number: SG17895 | New FHL Archives Search
From: foster3500@alltel.net
Date: 2006-07-15 14:39:12 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] RE: Help! Dying ferret?
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com

Insulinoma is a very frightening disease in ferrets, fortunately in most cases it can
be controlled. My wife and I have 4 ferrets with insulinoma and our longest
survivior is approaching the 4 year mark after diagnosis. Surgery is an option and
they remove a portion of the pancreas or the tumors from the pancreas. This is a
major surgery and I would let a ferret knowledgeable vet make the recommendation.
The most conventional course of treatment is with prednisone or prednisolone.
This is what we have used and it allows the liver to release more glucose into the
blood stream. It is a steriod but ferrets seem to tolorate it well. It should be given
with food to avoid stomach upset and ulcers. Now speaking of food, in my opinion
their diet is as important as the medication. We feed Bob Church's chicken gravy
and mix it with Gerber's stage 2 chicken and gravy or turkey and gravy. We feed
them 3 times a day at very set times. Routine in this case is very important so that
the blood sugar remains level. You may have to finger feed your baby to begin with
to get it to accept the gravy but usually they will realize they like it within a couple
of days. Keep some clear corn syrup or honey on hand as well and if your baby
starts to crash get some into their mouth. I have found that a small syringe works
well, just be sure to administer it at an angle so they don't aspirate it. Follow up
with some baby food or gravy so that the protien will stablize the sugar level.

I am not a vet so be sure to continue to follow up with yours for dosages of
medication. Feel free to e-mail me if I can be of any further help at
foster3500@alltel.net. BTW you can get the recipe for Bob C's chicken gravy out of
the Ferrets for Dummies book or if you email me I will write it out and send it.

Good luck and keep us posted,
Jim Foster





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