Message Number: FHL13582 | New FHL Archives Search
From: "Jeff"
Date: 2011-07-05 13:04:35 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Re: Diet for Ferret w/Insulinoma
To: <ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com>

I think it’s inaccurate to say that prednisolone causes weight loss. It’s the insulinoma itself that can cause weight loss and wasting, for two reasons. One, the excess insulin in the bloodstream eats up the glucose at an abnormal rate. And two, if the disease is not managed carefully, then the ferret can go thru periods when his blood glucose sinks too low, causing extreme weakness. At these times, even mustering up the energy to eat is too much for them, so despite really needing more food in their body, they will not eat. This is where the weight loss can manifest, and when they are susceptible to seizures.

I have had 6 ferrets on prednisolone for extended periods of time, and in every case I had to fight weight gain, not weight loss. I think the answer to fighting the wasting that can occur with insulinoma is to change their diet and provide regular feedings of a nutritious soup around the clock. I know this can be a task, but I believe that we owe them the best care we can provide, and when fighting against the relentless disease of insulinoma, then keeping their blood glucose levels at a reasonable level depends on a devoted regimen of regular feedings and administration of the prednisolone or diazoxide, or both.

As was mentioned, I have also found that when they get on a diet of soup, they will often stop eating kibble. That’s okay, as long as you stick to the regular soup feedings. I make ground up kibble a major part of my soup, so they are still getting the properly rounded nutrition that a good kibble can provide. I keep a log on my fridge where I write down the time of all feedings and meds. This helps keep things organized and keeps me from ever forgetting when they are due for more food or meds.

I understand that work schedules and other things make it difficult to stick to the regular food and med schedule that an insulinomic ferret needs, but this is really the best way to fight this disease if surgery is not chosen. And even with surgery, insulinoma will often come back. But I have had success with this kind of approach, and as a result, none of my insulinomic ferrets have ever suffered from wasting, and they have been spared the agony of any kind of violent seizure, even in end stage of the disease.

Jeff
In Loving Memory of Neo, Trinity, Morphy, Possum, Pip, Pop, Sabrina, Minnie Mouse, Hunny, Misty, Frodo, Baggins, and Mr. Parker
Caring for Luna, Baby Girl, Dozer, Boomer, and Zoomer

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