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Post by connieb on May 5, 2010 18:54:03 GMT -5
Hello,
I took my ferret to the veterinarian yesterday morning. For the last couple of days, I've noticed that he had become very lethargic and had not been eating at all. I had also noticed that his hindlegs were becoming quite weak.
My vet had taken x-rays, which were normal, and bloodwork. His glucose level was very low, around in the mid 50s. She sent out a sample of his blood for an insulinoma test, which will take 2 days. Based on his symptoms, she is assuming he has insulinoma. She has given him prednisone, but he is not responding and believe there may be something else going on, such as, adrenal or some type of cancer. She doesn't know for sure and hasn't handled very many ferrets before.
I don't know what to do from here. I would hate to have to lose one of my fuzzies, as they're each very dear to my heart. Things are not looking very good for him right now. I just don't want him to suffer or be in pain, and am wondering if euthanasia should be the route taken.
Does anyone have any advice?
Thank you.
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judy
New Member
Tamma 6-4-09
Posts: 4,247
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Post by judy on May 5, 2010 19:22:08 GMT -5
First, I'm sorry your baby is sick  I think I would call the vet and see if she can advise about the pred... perhaps the dose isn't strong enough. If it is insulinoma and the dose is correct, then your little guy should be feeling better within a matter of days. It will be gradual for several days and then you'll suddenly notice him acting the way you forgot he used to act  That's what happened with my Tamma anyway. I would think at this point he should at least be eating and the hind leg weakness would be better. Have you tried some duck soup? Sometimes when they don't feel well, that's easier for them to eat than kibble. Also, are you giving the pred twice a day? You didn't mention your baby's age by the way. Personally, I would try a stronger dose of pred before I gave up, and I'd try to force some thin soup into him (with a syringe from the side of his mouth - or by putting it on/in his mouth with your finger). Good luck and please keep us posted. |
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Post by connieb on May 5, 2010 19:43:17 GMT -5
Thanks for the response, judy.
Blizzard will be 5 years old this July. He's being kept under close watch at the hospital, which is a 24-hour clinic. They are force feeding him some a/d and he has been pooping and peeing pretty well. My doctor hasn't seen any real improvement at all. He's still weak and doesn't look very good. I've asked them to keep him under supportive care for one more day. Maybe his body will respond to the medication by tomorrow.
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judy
New Member
Tamma 6-4-09
Posts: 4,247
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Post by judy on May 5, 2010 21:54:13 GMT -5
I didn't realize he wasn't at home. I guess he's in the best place for him, but I know how hard that is too. I hated being separated from my babies.
I hope things turn around quickly. Blizzard will be in my thoughts... keep us updated.
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Post by Barbara on May 6, 2010 6:36:27 GMT -5
I'm hoping it's just a matter of getting the pred dose right and I'm sending lots of good thoughts and prayers.
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Post by connieb on May 6, 2010 10:56:35 GMT -5
My vet just called and Blizzard seems to be doing better this morning. He's eating on his own and appears to be perkier. We hope to get the test results for the insulinoma back soon. If it comes back positive, my vet recommends surgically removing the tumor(s). We can also medically treat him with prednisone.
I'm not sure how much this would prolong his life since he is 5 years old.
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Post by MysticalManana on May 6, 2010 14:41:12 GMT -5
Surgery isnt a cure unfortunately unless he is one of the very rare cases that have only one larger tumor. Usually they are small like grains of rice and spread throughout the pancreas so the surgery is only a temp fix at best. They come back.
The best treatment from all I have read is to get them settled on a good dose of pred that works for them and get them stabilized. The vet should prescribe carafate or something similar that is given 30 min before the pred to protect the tummy as the pred can cause ulcers and upset tummy.
Frequent small high protein soup meals throughout the day will also help keep his blood glucose more even. If it all goes well he could be with you quite a long time yet!
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judy
New Member
Tamma 6-4-09
Posts: 4,247
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Post by judy on May 6, 2010 16:45:46 GMT -5
Surgery isnt a cure unfortunately unless he is one of the very rare cases that have only one larger tumor. Usually they are small like grains of rice and spread throughout the pancreas so the surgery is only a temp fix at best. They come back. The best treatment from all I have read is to get them settled on a good dose of pred that works for them and get them stabilized. The vet should prescribe carafate or something similar that is given 30 min before the pred to protect the tummy as the pred can cause ulcers and upset tummy. Frequent small high protein soup meals throughout the day will also help keep his blood glucose more even. If it all goes well he could be with you quite a long time yet! I agree with this... and I'm glad to hear that Blizzard is feeling better. That's such good news |
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Post by connieb on May 7, 2010 14:29:57 GMT -5
Yesterday, the vet had doubled Blizzard's prednisone level from 1 ml/kg to 2 ml/kg. His glucose level has increased overnight and I may be able to bring him home for the weekend. They will be checking his glucose throughout the day and make sure that it stays at a high enough level. If so, I think I will have him treated medically, although the doctors believe surgery is the best choice.
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Post by Katiebug on May 7, 2010 15:20:29 GMT -5
I'm so sorry to hear about Blizzard. I know how hard it can be. My ferret Little J lived another 1.5 years after being diagnosed with insulinoma. I didn't want to go the surgery route, so he was on prednisone the whole time. I wish you well in whatever you decide!
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judy
New Member
Tamma 6-4-09
Posts: 4,247
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Post by judy on May 7, 2010 20:53:42 GMT -5
Love this news! Things didn't sound so optimistic a couple of days ago but it sounds like he's made an amazing recovery. Go Blizzard! My own thoughts would be to go the pred route too, and at the very least, getting him stable will give you time to thoroughly research and make an informed decision. You wouldn't want to rush into surgery right now after what he's been through anyway. I hope we see a "Blizzard is Home" post tomorrow |
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Post by connieb on May 7, 2010 21:19:19 GMT -5
GOOD NEWS!I was able to take Blizz home for the weekend. Yay! His glucose level was 76 this morning and 96 this afternoon. He is on 3 medications: Prednisone, Metronidazole and Clavamox. I will continue to force feed him a/d, although he did have a few pieces of his dry food when he got home tonight. The doctor gave me 2 doses of dextrose in case he has a seizure or shows signs of weakness. He is able to move his left foot, but his right foot continues to be paralyzed. The other ferrets smothered him with kisses and sniffs. I will keep a very close eye on him for the few days. I'm seriously thinking of sleeping next to their cage. I will need to drop him off at the vet Monday morning to check his glucose level again. Thanks to everyone who responded to my thread. I truly appreciate it.
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judy
New Member
Tamma 6-4-09
Posts: 4,247
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Post by judy on May 8, 2010 10:07:46 GMT -5
I was hoping to see this Yay for you and Blizzard!! Enjoy your weekend - I'm sure you will now ;D |
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Post by MysticalManana on May 8, 2010 11:32:17 GMT -5
It sounds like he is doing well all things considered, I send positive thoughts for him, its amazing what they can bounce back from and I hope he continues to do just that.
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Post by joclyn on May 9, 2010 19:32:23 GMT -5
prednisolone is a better choice over prednisone. the body can't use prednisone and must convert it to prednisolone (this is done in the liver) before the med can be utilized. so, using prednisolone straight off gets the med into the system quicker and avoids excess damage to the liver.
i'd also recommend using carafate - especially since you are also giving metro. at the moment. any formulation of pred is rough on the stomach and so is the metro.
besides the prednisolone, a grain-free kibble with additional servings of something like the canned a/d, canned evo or before grain or homemade 'gravy' (at least twice a day, and more often if the sugars are out of whack) are what did it for lil bear - she lived more than 2 1/2 years with insulinoma. no surgery was ever done (numerous reasons it wasn't). she was past 7 years old when she died.
it can take a couple weeks for the pred to be fully in the system, so, you may see various symptoms hanging on for a bit yet.
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That's what happened with my Tamma anyway. I would think at this point he should at least be eating and the hind leg weakness would be better. Have you tried some duck soup? Sometimes when they don't feel well, that's easier for them to eat than kibble. Also, are you giving the pred twice a day?
all my kids are doing well otter is getting real beefy feeling <winter weight?> and his coat is getting real soft not many noticeable changes overall,, new guy is getting big