From:
Ferrethealer
Date: 2012-02-09 21:10:30 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Insulinoma - More Info About Coco
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Holly, I have to say that as a veterinarian with many, many years in treating ferrets, I am concerned about what you are saying about your Coco. I'm not knocking alternative treatments, trust me, I use a lot of them. But what I am seeing about the treatment you are using worries me. Vanadyl lowers blood sugar. No matter what anyone tells you about how it sensitizes the cells to insulin and thereby resets the body, it lowers blood sugar. I cannot tell you how many ferrets I have seen with blood sugars in their thirties and forties that are acting okay - until the moment they crash from hypoglycemia. Please, please check this little guy's sugar levels. I know it's something you don't feel you can do on your own, but talk to your vet about it. It is vitally important to know what is actually going on.
I have managed a lot of ferrets with both ulcers and insulinoma - I have never stopped the pred during that treatment. I would strongly recommend getting him back on the pred, while giving Carafate to coat and protect his stomach 30 to 45 minutes prior to the pred, and then feeding a full meal (at least four or five tablespoons) before the pred is given. Pred may work better given three times a day rather than two, and that might lower the impact on his stomach as well.
Pred is also a well-known and effective treatment for lymphoma, so again, your best plan for him is to get him back on the pred. I'm concerned that your vet did not discuss treatment options for the lymphoma, there are many, ranging from all-out chemotherapy (which may not be possible for Coco) to pred and supportive care. One of my favorite patients lived over a year after her lymphoma diagnosis (she also had adrenal disease, heart disease and insulinoma) on pred.
I also often recommend using an herbal supplement called Essiac to help support the body and fight cancer, and there is a lot of information out there on that.
Bottom line, though, is that you need to coordinate with your vet to determine the best course of action for Coco. You say she isn't familiar with Vanadyl - honestly, neither was I until this discussion came up. Talk to her about it, allow her to research and work with you, and Coco will be better off.
Dr. Ruth
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