From:
md l
Date: 2012-03-22 15:23:59 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Testing for insulinoma today
To: "ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com" <ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com>
Need some quick advice, but first a little background..
Male ferret, around 3-4 years old started with occasional foaming at the mouth and spaciness a couple of months ago.. He's lost weight over the past 3-4 months and became lethargic. Our regular vet was out of town a couple of months ago so I took him to a different vet.. She diagnosed him with an ear infection and said that was why he was foaming and underweight.. So we've done two rounds of antibiotics in the ears and he still is not better.. We thought he was better for a while so then we were just waiting for him to gain weight.. But then he started with the foaming and spaciness again last night.. So my husband did some research and we think he has insulinoma.. I am disappointed that this vet did not test for this!
I am taking him back to our usual vet today to test for this.. My question is, should he be fasting for the test? He is eating right now (at 10am) and his appt. is at 2:45pm.
Also, they mentioned on the phone that they can't do the surgery and I would have to take him to the local university to have it done.. Is it that complicated and serious? Should most exotics vets be able to do this surgery?
Thanks,
Misty
[He does not have to be fasted for the test. A level of 60 or less with a non-fasted test is strongly indicative of insulinoma (Williams). The surgical procedure is not complicated for a seasoned and experienced ferret surgeon, but not one a novice should attempt without expert guidance. If they are not comfortable doing the surgery then I would not push them to do it. Best to have qualified and confident veterinary surgeons perform the procedure. - Moderator (TD)].
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