Insulinomas in Ferrets
Insulinomas are growths that occur on the pancreas of the ferret.  These growths release insulin, causing your ferret to suffer from hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).  They can be cancerous or non-cancerous in nature.
Symptoms include mild to severe variations of the following: Weakness, lethargy, sleeping for long periods of time and then being very difficult to wake, vomiting, pawing at the mouth, drooling, loss of coordination, disorientation, vocalization while sleeping, and seizures (jerky leg movements with vocalization, urination).
This is a very serious condition that can lead to coma and death if not treated.  Ferrets are generally at risk when they reach three or more years of age.  If your ferret seems to be sleeping more than usual, lays on the floor and is non-responsive for a brief period of time, has a loss of appetite or has any of the symptoms listed above, you should have blood work performed by your veterinarian as soon as possible.
    
If your ferret appears to be having a seizure, try rubbing a very small amount of Karo syrup on his or her gums.  If it is a hypoglycemic seizure, they will usually snap out of it rather quickly.  It is very important to immediately take your ferret to the veterinarian after such a seizure.  Giving your ferret the syrup is only a temporary fix.  Your ferret's body will begin to produce more insulin to break down the sugar you just gave to him/her.  He or she will be at great risk for having a second seizure and could go into a coma and die.  Your veterinarian can give your ferret treatment to stabilize the blood sugar.

Treatments for insulinomas are generally surgery and medication.  Unfortunately, insulinomas tend to grow back in as fast as a few months.  Medication (such as Prednisolone) can help keep your ferret's blood sugar stable.  There are currently no cures for insulinomas.  Although they tend to be isolated to the pancreas, there have been cases where cancerous insulinomas  have metastasized to other organs.  Initial surgery, medication, and feeding your affected ferret frequent small high protein meals can extend their life by a year or more.   

Although the cause for insulinomas is not known, there is some speculation as to why they occur.  There seems to be a high incidence of insulinomas occurring at the same time as adrenal disease.  This could mean that there may be a relationship between the two conditions.  Diseases of the pancreas may also be linked to the amount of sugar and simple carbohydrates a ferret consumes.  

To help prevent insulinomas, feed your ferret a good high protein, low sugar, low simple carbohydrate diet. Avoid feeding your ferret any treats that contain sugar.  While feeding your ferrets a proper diet will not guarantee they won't get insulinomas, it is a good way  to ensure good overall health.

Lymphoma in Ferrets        Gastrointestinal Disorders in Ferrets        Adrenal Disease       Caring for a Sick Ferret    Vaccination Information
____________________________________________________________________________________

Home Page home page      
About Us   |   Ferret Memorials   |   Ferret Photo Page!   |   Ferret Classifieds   |   Chat and Message Board   |   Training the Domestic Ferret   |   Ferret Ownership   |   Ferret Nutrition   |   Ten Tips to Help Keep Your Ferret Happy and Healthy   |   Ferret Health Issues   |   Housing Your Ferret   |   Ferret Supplies   |   Grooming the Domestic Ferret   |   Ferret Book and Product Recommendations   |   Links to Ferret Information   |   Ferret Proofing   |   Domestic Ferret Behavior   |   Tips on Introducing Your Ferret(s) to a New Ferret   |   Toy and Game Ideas   |   Ferret Shelter List   |   Frequently Asked Questions   |   Ferret Stories   |   Favorite Links   |   Contact Us   |   Coming Soon
____________________________________________________________
The information provided in this section is not intended to be used in place of proper veterinary care.  This web site contains the opinions of the writer.  The reader of this site must use this information at his or her own risk.