From:
"Tony Clarke"
Date: 2008-11-08 01:04:41 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Ferret with normal bg but hind leg weakness (for the 2nd time in 5wks)
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
--- In ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com, "Meryl Faulkner"
=20
A reading in the 80's more than once is a sign of possible emerging
insulinoma.
The human meters read high because ferret blood contains a higher
proportion of red blood cells than human blood. the techs are correct
to tell you to calibrate your meter against theirs.
The changes in readings low-high-low etc is not only due to when they
eat but also the nature of the islet cells intermittent insulin
production, as more cells become defective then these peaks/troughs
of insulin will even out.
Do NOT fast a ferret with insulinoma or suspect insulinoma it is not
necessary and can cause a hypoglycemic crash.
As you have not had a reading below 80 then it may not be insulinoma.
www.afip.org/ferrets/PDF/insulinoma.pdf
Extract...
Definitive diagnosis of insulinoma is made
in the vast majority of cases by a blood
glucose test =96 rapid, cost-effective, and
gloriously simple. In cases in which the
glucose level is less than 60 g/dl (normal in
the ferret is 80-120 g/dl), the presence of an
insulinoma is assured (even without
corroborative evidence of clinical signs. If
the blood glucose reading is between 60 and
80 g/dl, concomitant clinical signs of
hypoglycemia are required to make the
diagnosis. In cases in which the glucose
level exceeds 80 mg, other forms of
neurologic diseases should be investigated
as well. Remember that insulin secretion in
some tumors is sporadic, and
normoglycemia one day may become
hypoglycemia the next.
End extract
Tony (not a vet), Sugar and Suki.
In memory of Sally and Sue
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