From:
"Ann"
Date: 2009-02-14 02:06:59 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Lupi's test results, need answers
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Our Lupi is an old guy. He was actually our first ferret, the one that
started it all. He's 8 years old now. He had his left adrenal gland
removed last April. He had an infection that led to his prostate
swelling that almost caused us to lose him one night. Hence the surgery.
He had a UTI and was put on Baytril (in April 2008). Lupi has been on
the Melatonin implants for 2-3 years (every 4 months approximately). He
also had a Lupron injection back in November I believe. The Lupron
didn't seem to help, and the Melatonin doesn't seem to be helping as
much. I wanted to try the liquid melatonin, but I need more info on the
exact form and amount. Lupi is walking with a wobble, lost a little
weight in the last few months even though he gets gravy twice a day,
dribbles pee A LOT, and had one of those daze episodes the other
day...not so bad that he didn't immediately snap out of it, but it got
us to thinking...which led to the testing.
Lupi had bloodwork done this past Monday and the results are in. Lupi's
Results <http://www.ferretdreamsusa.com/lupiresults.pdf> I like to get
copies for my records and to be able to get opinions elsewhere if
necessary. Our vet told us that Lupi does not have insulinoma, however,
I honestly think that he is wrong...flat out. When I got the sheet with
the results, I noticed the glucose is 44. I was under the impression
that this is what tells you that a ferret has insulinoma. They also did
an insulin check, but I read today in at least 2 articles that this was
a waste of time. This number (which is slightly low) is what our vet
based his decision on.
Also, I'm worried that Lupi is slightly anemic. How can I tell? The vet
said his color is good, but when I look at his nose, it looks more pale
than normal.
We know Lupi has adrenal issues and according to the vet a UTI (which
was probably caused by his dribbling pee). We've had Lupi on Fenpecia
and Saw Palmetto as well as Pet-Tinic daily. He is now on Baytril for
the UTI.
Is Pred the same thing as Prednisolone when it comes to insulinoma? How
long does it last? I have a Prednisolone syrup that Lupi got back in
April and was wondering if it's even worth keeping. It's 3 mg/ml.
I would really appreciate some help with this. I sure wish I knew how to
read the results better. If you'll notice, his Alkaline Phosphatase is
WAY HIGH 310 where the norm is 15-45!!! What is this, what causes this,
and what do we do to make this better?
I have a lot of questions, and I'm trying to keep this fairly simple. So
I think I've covered everything for now, but I have a few more simpler
questions.
1. What are good protein and fat levels in food to feed older ferrets
with adrenal, insulinoma and recurring UTI's? Are the high protein foods
still safe? I would assume they are since you give the protein after a
seizure to keep glucose up (I think I've got my instances straight,
please correct me if I'm wrong).
2. Also, I am thinking of getting the FreeStyle Lite meter, is this a
good choice? It takes very little blood, and I hear that's a good thing
when it comes to ferrets.
Thanks so much. I plan on visiting our vet again on Monday to discuss
these things, especially since his glucose appears quite low. I really
appreciate your help.
Ann H
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