Questions about Insulinoma

[Deleted]

Slinky had to go to the vet today. She had been acting really lethargic and was wobbly on her back legs. My husband says she looks like she is drunk. Well, the diagnosis is insulinoma as I figured it would be from her fatigue and glazy eyes. I am looking for information on caring for her.

Dr. Murrey put her on pred twice a day. He is looking to get her sugars normalized and then do surgery in about a month or two. I trust him completely with my ferts and will most likely go ahead with the surgery if he recommends it. Slinky is a rescue so her age is unknown but placed at about 3 or 4. She is otherwise healthy and one of the biggest ferrets at the clinic at 1.2lbs.

I am interested in what snacks should not be given to her and any other information about how to care for her. I know to use caro syrup but that is about all I know. Dr. Murrey said that the Zupreem was a good food for her and to keep her on it. Is there anything else I should do?

[yukkabelle]

Prednisone will help her. Always put the pred with a little food. If given in empty stomach that will hurt Slinky. Anika was insulinoma, was on pred for 1 year and half. she had others problem because Lymphoma...but she never had crisis because the insulinoma, only her little back legs slipped on the wood floor. So it helped her to put little carpets as little roads all over the house .

We never talk about surgery for this. Anika was 7 years old. She had a surgery because a big external necrotic tumor near her back left leg when she was 8 years old. And it was a great success. But I don't have experience for the surgery for insulinoma.

Is this Dr Murrey the same who is answer question to the Ferrethealth ? Jerry Murray ?

[Deleted]

yes, it is the same Dr. I was spelling it wrong.

[yukkabelle]

It seems that is a real knowledge vet

[greta]

Dr. Murray is reknowned as a ferret veterinarian. As Yukka stated, prednisolone (or also prednisone) is the standard treatment for insulinoma in ferrets. My TT had insulinoma and his vet prescribed predisone for him at the time he was diagnosed. I also fed TT duck soup before giving him his prednisone. His diet consited of a mix of Totally Ferret, Zupreem and a sprinkling of Marshalls. When TT would have a seizure, I wold rub Karo syrup (the clear kind) on his gums until he responded. Then I wold feed him all the warm duck soup he would eat. I'd keep TT beside me in his sick cage until he recovered completely from his 'crashes.' There were times when I found it necessary to feed TT duck soup every three hours around the clock, and gradually added more time between these feedings as he improved. By the time TT had his surgery his tumor was the size of a marble and that explained why his crashes were so severe and so frequent. I kept my boy going for 7 months though, by treating him with the Karo, the pred and the duck soup. I hope this helps you. Hugs, Greta

[shadoe]

I am sorry to read this, but I have learned more about dealing with Lily in reading the repilies.
Sending Prayers.

[huronna]

1.2 pounds is really tiny for a ferret, even a female.
Though Dr Murry is one of the foremost ferret vets, surgery for insulinoma really scares me.
Depending on the ferrets age and how well she regulates with the pred, personally I'd stay away from surgery if at all possible.

I've always kept honey, rather than kayro syrup, probably becuause my husband likes honey on his cereal also. I also always keep some Gerber Baby food in the house because it is high in protein and easy to use, no mess no fuss.

While your ferret is on pred and getting regulated keep you eye open for the flat ferret , the glazed eyes and possible drooling. Those are signs of low sugar shock. Which may happen while trying to regulate your ferret. A little honey or syrup on you little finger and rub it on their gums. DO NOT try to force feed it. Rubbing it will get the sugar into the blood stream as it dissolves and goes down their throat. As soon as your ferret is able....feed the baby food or duck soup which every is your preference, but make sue it high in protein.

Frack who was diagnosed with insulinoma at age 7, only had one sugar shock during the rest of her life, which went until she was 8.

Rocki on the other hand was never able to be regulated. He had multiple other problems, adreanal on lUpron, a cancerous kidney removed and then insulinoma came secondary. Though he was fed 5 times a day, on pred, he would still have episodes of low sugar. He had a very rocky road for the next 6 months when he finally told me...enough mom

Insulinoma doesn't scare me like it did 15 years ago. Managing it just takes time and patience and a good vet to help you along the way.

[greta]

Oops! I didn't mention treats that are safe for insulinoma ferrets in my above post. It is best to stay away from all the Bandit treats, as they all contain some form of sugar. The Pounce crunchy cat treats are enjoyed by most ferrets, are good for their teeth and are sugar free. N-bones are anothe excellent treat for the insulinomic ferret. They are rubber like in their consistency (which ferrets love) they do not contain sugar and there are very few ferrets who'll turn down an N-bone. And they are safe for the ferret's digestive tract. Also, I used to put Ferretone in TT's soup. Ferretone is a vitamin/mineral preparation with a malt flaavor that ferrets adore. A half teaspoon or so of Ferretone a day is enough for an insulinomic ferret. Pure unwhipped whipping cream is anothe safe treat for your little one. Just add the cream to your soup or warm a little cream in a bowl. Pure cream is ferret safe and won't cause the lactose problems of other dairy products. I have checked this out with TT's vet. LaF has an insulinomic ferret and she is an expert on what and what not to feed these little ones. I hope this helps you. Hugs, Greta