From:
kazpat1@comcast.net
Date: 2012-02-09 19:12:29 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Insulinoma Question
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
I was just going to suggest this to Holly, If oral pred is not an option an injectable steroid may be the way to go. I had one ferret in years of many many ferrets who just wouldn't take ANY oral meds, pawed, gagged, shook head, so went injectable route for all his meds where possible. Now, for the other ferrets I found that Pediapred brand of prednisilone which you have to specifically have written for and make sure pharmacy doesn't substitute, was the best tasting and easiest to give. It comes as a lower concentration of 6.5mg per 5 ml (Moderator note: my bottle is 6.75mg/5ml) so 1mg is is about 1ml and you have to therefore give more of it. You can get it from a regular pharmacy and may find discount by shopping around as it is more expensive. Another way, if you make chicken gravy and make it thin enough to syringe feed (please just be sure not to force feed), can put in the syringe the food- then add at end the dose of prednisilone and give it this way. THen it doesn't matter if use the higher concentrated, maybe a little nastier tasting prednisilone.
Some milder/earlier insulinoma can be diet controlled, and as it does fluctuate a lot, or any other illness/stressor may exacerbate it- it usually then needs diet/and medications to control. However, there are cases where lymphoma is actually the main cause of the low blood sugars and that type may need more aggressive medications and diet as well to keep blood sugars fluctuating. If the current vet is not really ferret savy, and there is no alternative close by, consider if your vet would consult with a ferret specialist vet and maybe pay for the consult. It may be worthwhile getting all the info you can. Lymphoma can only be diagnosed by biopsy, but an ultrasound may help, or xrays depending on the symptoms,etc. Blood work rarely helps in this diagnosis, but wil help in determinng other problems like anemia, liver and kidney function,etc. I have had many ferrets over the years and still get tricked by them, last year had a ferret succomb to heart failure from cardiomyopathy that initially seemed to be lethargy and weakness I thought from low glucose, as the initial glucose was low (but likely from not eating enough due to heart issue).
So, no matter how long have had ferrets, I always get a good vet check and lab work before any medications are given (holistic, prescription or otherwise). I have used alternate medications as well, as sometimes it is just the last ditch effort- but always had my vet kept informed or actually prescribing the treatments.
Although it may not be possible for all, if at all possible home monitoring of glucose is recommended, ferrets really do ok with shots and injections (even sub Q's) and even quick prick for glucose testing- using ferretone on belly helps and chosing something like the paw pad most ferrets hardly flinch- but you do have to invest in the more expensive glucose monitor and strips that take very small amount of blood.
Patty Kaczorowski
----- Original Message -----
From: "debi sadowski"
Mike,
I've been a rescue since 1998 and work closely with my vets and also spoke to other rescues about treatment for insulinoma.
My decision was and still is to use DEXAMETHASONE
------------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/
<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional
<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/join
(Yahoo! ID required)
<*> To change settings via email:
ferrethealth-digest@yahoogroups.com
ferrethealth-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
ferrethealth-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/