From:
"Jeff"
Date: 2007-10-02 14:57:31 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Advice Please Insulinoma
To: <ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com>
You don't tell us what the strength of the meds are (mg/ml), so it's hard to tell if he is at or near the maximum dosage of each. Assuming that he is not, then speak to the vet about increasing the daily dosage. Insulinoma is progressive, so as it worsens, the meds need to be increased. Also, give him the meds 3 times a day, every 8 hours, instead of two times a day, every 12 hours. By the end of that 12 hour period the meds are basically gone from his system, making him more susceptible to seizures. Every time he has a seizure he is risking brain damage and other consequences.
You don't mention how often he is eating. It's VERY important to keep food in his system at all times to give the excess insulin something to burn off. A ferret takes about 4 hours to completely use up food, from the time he eats to the time he poops, so he should be eating someting every 4 hours or so. Sometimes when they become weak they can't muster up the energy to eat, making things even worse. You should monitor his food intake and make sure that it remains as consistent as possible.
These things should help, but insulinoma is progressive, and eventually will win. But you can prolong the quality of his life by keeping a steady flow of meds and food in his system.
Jeff
In Memory of Neo
Caring for Trinny, Morphy, and Baby Girl
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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