From:
"hemfcf"
Date: 2010-11-30 15:29:40 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Insulinoma, seizures, medication, quality of life
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
It is very important to have her glucose checked. Possibly even at home after her seizure to see if it is in fact hypoglycemia. Antiseizure drugs like phenobarbital and potassium bromide WILL NOT do anything for a hypoglycemic seizure. If she comes of her and recovers with nutrical or honey on her gums it is most likely hypoglymecia. If you can get an Alphatrack glucometer and check her glucose that would be more helpful in diagnosing insulinoma. It is possible for young ferrets to get insulinoma due to previous diet and genetics. Feeding an insulinomic ferrets a high protein meal numerous times daily is key to their longevity. I kept my own boy going about 1 year until his hypoglycemic episodes got so close together that it was infeasible to keep him fed as often as he needed. He had an episode only 4 hours after a good meal. First make sure it isn't the hypoglycemia causing the seizures because if it is then stop anti-seizure meds. You can adjust prednisolone (thi
s form and not prednisone) to a higher dose that is split 3 times daily and you can add diazoxide as well. Diazoxide is not a cheap drug but it can hopefully let you lower the dose of pred needed to control hypoglycemia. Hope these suggestions can help your little girl.
Dr. Heather
--- In ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com, "honeybuzzer001" <honeybuzzer001@...> wrote:
>
> Approximately a year ago, my ferret Siduri (who turned 3 in July,) began showing the typical signs of Insulinoma, including drooling, seizures, and lack of coordination, lethargy, and unresponsiveness. Around the same time, Siduri fell approximately four feet after jumping from my arms, landing hard on her right side. I did not observe any injuries at the time. I cannot be sure the fall occurred before or after Siduri began showing symptoms of Insulinoma.
>
> Siduri had blood work done in January and July 2010. January's results included a glucose level of 48 and insulin level of 73. In July, the results included a glucose level of 65 and insulin level of 16.4. I understand that changes in glucose and insulin levels are not accurate indicators of Insulinoma. Nevertheless, per Siduri's vet, I started giving Siduri Prednisone in January.
>
> In the last 10 months, Siduri's seizures have increased in frequency and severity. In February 2010, her vet added Phenobarbital to Siduri's course of treatment, increasing the dose over time. Siduri's Prednisone dose was increased over time as well, per her vet. Two weeks ago, Siduri's vet added Potassium bromide to her course of treatment.
>
> Siduri's vet now believes the seizures may be the result of a brain tumor, not Insulinoma. Nevertheless, is it possible for a 2-year-old ferret to develop Insulinoma? Could the seizures be the result of her fall? (Unfortunately, no x-rays were taken right after she fell) Or could it be genetics?
>
> Is there another possible course of treatment to improve Siduri's quality of life? I know I will need to make the hard choice to let Siduri crossed the Rainbow Bridge sooner rather than later. However, I want to make sure Siduri has every chance for good quality of life before she leaves. Siduri is a fighter!!
>
> Any input will be appreciated.
>
> Thank you--
>
> Lisa & Siduri
>
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