From:
"Debbie"
Date: 2009-06-22 12:37:38 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Diabetes, cancer, or both?
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
This is Deb and Pippin,
Pippin was indeed on glargine and its a much better suited insulin for ferrets in my humble opinion. Pippin could not manage to respond well to the other faster acting shorter duration insulins. A ferrets metabolism makes regulation difficult and the longer duration of the Lantus can really help with keeping them even through their cycles.
It is not uncommon to find ferrets being treated with steroids to show hyperglycemia http://www.smallanimalchannel.com/media/ferrets/ferret-health/diabetes.aspx.pdf .
Also it is seen post-partial pancreatectomy for insulinoma surgery (usually transient) and or the result of a glucagonoma, which tend to be much larger than the insulinomas and visible ultrasonographically.
Obesity is also a contributing factor, which Pippin also is, he is 4lb 2 oz at this point.
Glargine (Lantus) is a longer duration, smoother insulin, given every 12 hours and usually started at a dose of 1U and adjusted every few days depending on what results you are seeing, home testing is really a necessity and testing must be done before giving insulin and usually every few hours to be able to judge how the dose is working. It has a long duration and an overlap which takes a few days to build up before you will see how its working. I test Pippins BG 5-10 times a day usually, it sounds like a lot but he tolerates it well and it helps me keep him on track with his insulin doses.
I also recommend joining the feline diabetes forum http://www.felinediabetes.com/phorum5/index.php for help and support, most of what applies to diabetic felines works well with ferrets I have found. They have an Insulin Support Group for most insulins we use on animals including lantus.
You say your vet saw something on U/S and X-ray, was this on or near the pancreas? If so, get them to recheck for a possible glucagonoma, they are usually bigger and able to be seen in U/S and if removed can really make a difference. In the meantime controlling her diabetic symptoms with the proper insulin will most certainly make her feel a lot better and improve her quality of life.
Pippin has been on insulin now over 5 months and is feeling pretty good, certainly good enough that he doesnt think he has anything wrong with him and carrys on as usual.
My lifelong thanks go to Dr Jerry Murry who helped us so much in the beginning to understand how to treat this disease. [Find his related posts in the separate FHL Archives. Normally consulting vets are like treating vets and not mentioned here by name, but related posts and their authors can be mentioned. -- Moderator]
Good luck with your Sunni and if I can help please contact me any time.
Deb
[Is there a reference for Glucagonoma occuring in ferrets?
--Moderator]
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