From:
"Holly Foster"
Date: 2006-11-13 02:10:03 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Re: Holistic approach to Insulinoma/Timmy's Tonic
To: <ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com>
Jeff and Neo
I apologize, perhaps I worded my response incorrectly. I do not recommend Timmy's Tonic for treatment of insulinoma, I do understand his theory behind the water, tonic mix but I would equate it with a person with hypoglycemia drinking soda or eating candy to boost their blood sugar. It is a short term fix that will make the problem worse when the level drops. Nipper did not have insulinoma and we were trying everything with even a remote chance of working. I do recommend a strict schedule of feeding high protien food/gravy and medicine administration. I also would caution you against any treatment without your vets knowledge and approval.
Sorry for any confusion and thanks for pointing it out Sukie.
Jim Foster
----- Original Message -----
From: Sukie Crandall
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, November 12, 2006 12:31 PM
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Holistic approach to Insulinoma/Timmy's Tonic
Except for Juvenile Lymphoma (which is very uncommon)
6 months is not at all an unusual amount of time to get for a ferret
with lymphoma/lymphosarcoma, even without treatment in some cases.
With only Prednisolone we have gotten from a bit over that half year to
almost a year and a half with lympho, depending on the individual.
If you check references on licorice (one of the ingredients in Timmy's Tonic)
you will notice that it can cause serious health problems with long use or
with high doses, also it worsens some of the effects of insulin according
to a current university site.
Now here I am going to go on memory, but look up the other ingredients,
because I seem to recall that there is another which can drop blood glucose,
but I could be wrong, so check the ingredients, please.
BEFORE USE OF A TREATMENT:
ALWAYS ASK THE TREATING VET FIRST, BUT KNOW THAT YOU HAVE
TO ALSO LOOK THINGS UP BECAUSE VETS ARE NOT PHARMACOGNOCISTS.
ALWAYS LOOK UP THE SIDE EFFECTS, FOOD INTERACTIONS, DRUG
INTERACTIONS, HERBAL INTERACTIONS, SUPPLEMENT INTERACTIONS,
AND CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR USE OF ANY HEALTH PRODUCT USED,
WHETHER HERBAL, SUPPLEMENT, PHARMACY, OR OTHERS.
DURING THE USE OF ANY TREATMENT:
KEEP VET INFORMED ABOUT WHAT IS BEING USED AND BRING THE
INGREDIENTS LIST TO HAND TO THE VET TO KEEP IN CASE THE VET
GETS TIME TO LOOK THINGS UP LATER, BUT KNOW THAT YOU, TOO,
HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO FILL IN KNOWLEDGE IN AREAS THAT ARE
NOT ONES VETS SPECIALIZE IN.
Honestly, some herbals are GREAT and we certain use and have used some,
but anything strong enough to help is also strong enough to harm. Some
of the most dangerous of poisons and carcinogens are natural ones. So,
just as with any other approach, natural ingredients can NOT be assumed to
be better, safer, or more effective. It really IS necessary to look them up!
Yes, you are completely right that the giving of sugars can mask insulinoma.
EXCELLENT CATCH POINTING OUT THE HONEY!
During insulinoma the tumors cause the release of too much insulin which
reduces blood glucose (sugar). That is why supplying sugars can look like
a treatment BUT it is actually considered best to hold off on that except
possibly in small amounts until the medications can no longer be increased
and there is no other choice. There is a lot in the archives on that.
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