Message Number: FHL3295 | New FHL Archives Search
From: "FerretMistress"
Date: 2007-12-19 19:25:03 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Insulinoma - dilemma about surgery
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com

Hi all,

My adopted female ferret Valkyra, 3,5 yrs old, is diagnosed with
Insulinoma about month ago. We adopted her about 2,5 yrs ago from
prior owner who didn't wanted her anymore. Valkyra is spayed and about
550 g.
In November we noticed that she has trouble walking, as if she has
nausea so we checked her blood level which showed about 60, after 5
hrs fasting period it dropped to 30. Few more check ups and it showed
low, about 60-70's). On 21st of November we put her on Medrol
(metilprednisolone), dosage of 0,5 mg/kg/12h mixed with couple drops
of Ferretone. We also put her on Venter (drug for ulcer prevention)
which is being given to her half an hour before Medrol. We are
regularly monitoring blood levels, which are mostly varying between 60
and 120 during this period. She had one or two low level results (in
60's range), but others were mostly from 70 to 85.

She eats solid food (totally ferret active) on her own, and drinks
water from bottle on her own, but we also give her AD mixed with
boiled and minced chicken breast twice a day, just before giving her
medicine.

She seems quite stable, so we are inclined to go for a surgery. No one
in our country haven't ever been doing this procedure. We have a vet
who is skilled with ferrets, have a great clinic and team, he takes
care of all our 12 ferrets and many, many more for years now, but he
also have never been through this surgery. However he is willing to do
it (our first ferret Jurica was his first female to spay, for
instance). We're in kind of dilemma about putting Valkyra through
this, so I would really appreciate as much as information as possible
on surgery statistics, surgery vs. drugs, maybe some experiences and
similar.

Thanks a lot in advance.

Petra




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