What is INSULINOMA
Insulinoma
is a benign growth in the pancreas that causes the body to release too
much insulin, resulting in persistently low blood glucose/sugar. Signs
of insulinoma are lethargy, poor appetite, weak hindlegs, falling over,
hypersalivation and even seizures.
Insulinoma can be managed with
medication or in certain situations, with surgery. The medication that
we use is called Prednisolone (Pediapred). When treating with
Prednisolone, the aim is to counteract the effects of insulin and
maintain stable blood glucose levels. This medication is lifelong and
given twice daily orally. The dose may be adjusted by your veterinarian
over time.
When insulinoma surgery is performed, the aim is to remove
the benign mass to prevent excess insulin secretion. This surgery may
be curative although in some cases the condition may recur due to
formation of new growths.
Caring for a pet ferret with INSULINOMA
It is very important to monitor ferrets with insulinoma at all times. Ferrets with insulinoma have to continuously graze on food every 2-3 hours.
If your ferret sleeps for prolonged hours during the day, be sure to wake your pet up to feed them. Otherwise, your ferret may suffer from hypoglycemia. Signs of hypoglycemia are drooling, weakness in back legs, trembling and in severe cases, seizures. If you notice any of these symptoms, rub a small amount of high sugar food on their gums (i.e., Nutri-Cal, honey, simple syrup, etc.) and give us a call immediately!
Please call us and let us know if your pet shows symptoms of hypoglycemia while on Prednisolone. At some point, Prednisolone may stop working to raise the blood sugar and you may elect to pursue surgery.
Testing blood glucose levels
When first diagnosed with insulinoma, blood glucose should be checked once weekly until it is normal. After that stage, it needs to be checked once a month for the next 3 months and then every 3 months thereafter. You must continue to bring your pet in for bi-yearly doctor exams to monitor for disease progression. Prednisolone is given for life.
Before you bring in your ferret for a blood glucose test:
1) For an accurate result, your ferret MUST BE FASTED FOR 3 HOURS prior to your appointment. Otherwise you may choose to drop off your ferret and allow us to fast your pet before the blood test. This will incur a nominal charge.
2) Please give Prednisolone as normal on the morning of the blood test.