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Ferret Insulinomas (islet cell tumors) are tumors of cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Excess levels of insulin drives blood sugar out of the blood and into body cells, making it unavailable to the brain. Ferrets with very high insulin levels appear to "faint" when blood sugar is very low. As the tumor grows, the attacks become more frequent. Coma and death can be caused by very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Clinical signs - weight loss is the most common, a state of being legarthic or in a stupor, salivation, high end weakness, vocalizations, and seizures
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I am not a vet. I have had two ferrets with insulinoma and here is what I have learned. My first ferret Zeus, developed insulinoma and it scared the heck out me. I came in to find him comatose. I rushed him to the vet at midnite and after some fluids and karo syrup he was back on his paws. We went back for a follow up and my vet put him on Prednisone. Not long after my other ferret Spike developed the same symptoms. I put him on Pred as well. Zeus did not last too long after his initial diagnosis and I really feel the Pred had alot to do with it. So, when Zeus passed on I took Spike off the Pred and simply monitored his diet (high proteins and supplements (Ferravite for when he had a crash). Also, I made him take extra water (by syringe) and made sure he stayed well hydrated. He lived an additional 2 yrs and passed at the ripe old age of 10! He had to be euthanized as he was just to worn out to keep going and it didnt seem fair. The vet was amazed at his life considering his disease. If you cannot afford surgery or maybe you ferret is just too old to be a candidate then consider this management plan. It takes extra time so if you have a busy schedule it may not work for you. You really need to be able to give them attention about 4 or 5 times a day for this type of management. I am not a fan of Prednisone for extended periods of time. Again, I am not a vet but this is from my experience. I have another ferret who is exhibiting signs of this disorder. I am going to take the same approach with him as I have with my other ferret.
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Can ferrets eat gingersnaps?
Hello, You should avoid feeding your ferret anything sweet. The best treats for ferrets are small amounts of ferretone, high quality ferret treats (Wysong Natural Pet Food offers some of these) or strictly meat-based or protein based treats. Ferrets are vulnerable to diseases such as insulinoma, and feeding sugary treats may cause health problems for your ferret later. Ferret Owner
Can a ferret transmit insulinoma to a human?
No. Insulinoma is not a transmittable disease, so there are no worries. It is a developement (generally a genetic thing too) of the ferrets body being incapable of using carbohydrates for fuel; it's like diabetes, only opposite. It is caused by tumors of the pancreas. It then causes the pancreas to produce too much insulin. It is thought to be caused by the strain the pancreas takes on attempting to digest carbohydrates.
How can a ferret fall 10 feet and not get hurt?
Was the ferret examined by a veterinarian. He may be hurt, but not showing symptoms yet, ferrets will hide or mask their pain.
A ferret with cells in the pancreas. do they admit a bad body odor. i know they have weight loss and hid leg weakness. ive been told that this is what she has but latly she has a very vile smell.?
Odor is not one of the symptoms of insulinomas in ferret. However, an older ferret may have an adrenal gland tumor along with insulinoma. Ferrets with adrenal gland tumors may have a different, more odorous body odor. Insulinomas in ferrets can be caused by poor diet, which some foods fed to ferrets can cause more odors. Make sure your ferret is frequently fed high protein foods to keep blood sugar as stable as possible and avoid any snack high in sugar. Refer to links below for more information
What is insulinoma?
It is a tumor of the pancreas that produces an excess of insulin.
If benign tumor of the pancreas that causes hypoglycemia is known as?
insulinoma
Is it okay to give ferrets Root beer?
Do not give your ferret Root beer or any other sweetened drinks or foods, it could cause an illness called insulinoma (a tumor in the pancreas that produces too much insulin). Ferrets need to have plenty of water available at all times.
What is a ferret kit?
A Ferret kit is a baby Ferret.
What type of pancreatic cancer is the most common?
Insulinoma is the most common tumor of the endocrine pancreas.
Found ferret in shower ate soap acting like seizure?
A ferret eating soap would make them sick and have diarrhea. Check the ingredients of the soap and call a Veterinarian. The seizure could be caused by another illness. In ferrets two and older, seizures are most commonly caused by severe hypoglycemia caused by insulinoma. Other causes of seizures include head trauma, infection or inflammation of the brain tissue, cancer in the brain, poisons, and blood electrolyte imbalances due to liver disease, kidney disease, heat prostration, or intestinal obstructions. Contact your veterinarian. refer to link below on Ferret Emergencies
What can you give your ferret if it has a cold?
Ferret do not get colds, however they can contract human influenza. Flu Symptoms are the same as humans - fever, sneezing, lack of appetite, runny eyes, and nasal discharge. The condition is usually not serious in adult ferret, but may be fatal in young ferrets. Antibiotics may be necessary to control secondary infections. Consult your Veterinarian or Clinic for treatment.
Your ferret is bleeding from her bum and has runny eyes loss of appetite?
The best thing to do for your ferret is to take her to the vet as soon as possible. She is most likely sick, and as ferrets have a weak immune system this could cause the death of your beloved friend.
