From:
"Tressie"
Date: 2009-03-23 10:55:42 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: New to group possible sick ferret....
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Hi Jade,
Congratulations on your new fuzzkids!
It does sound like she has insulinoma. Have the vet check her Blood Glucose to confirm. She needs medication for this if that is the case (i.e., prednisone/prednisolone, dexamethasone or diazoxide) And if the vet is not familiar with ferrets or how to treat insulinoma suggest that she/he consults with a ferret knowledgeable veterinarian.
Make sure to follow the Karo in the gums immediately with a high protein food. The Turkey baby food is okay but get some Hills Prescription Diet A/D from the vet today. This is easily digested and palatable. Mix it with a little bit of warm water to make it into a soup. Put it on your finger and let her lick it off. It may take a few licks before she laps it on her own.
In terms of food, you don't mention what the primary food you are feeding is. IAMS Kitten might be okay but NOT IAMS Cat. Ferrets require a high fat/high protein food. Cat foods don't have the nutritional proportions ferrets require for good health whereas a good quality KITTEN kibble may. Here is a link to a comparison chart that lists ingredients in most of the popular kibbles and which ones are better:
http://www.ferret-universe.com/care/food.asp
However, do not feed dog food of any kind!!
Do not use a corn product as litter. The ferrets might eat it. Better to get Yesterday's News or wood stove pellets as litter.
Good luck!
Tressie
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