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Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2014 10:30:46 GMT -5
Has this little one had an xray done of upper spine and skull. I've had two ferrets who appeared to exhibit insulinoma type symptoms. One actually displayed a lower BG. Lady Zena, had recurring seizures over a period of several months. None of the meds appeared to treat the issue for any long period of time. She finally had a massive seizure that we couldn't seem to get her out of. She did come out of the seizure while on the trip to the vet but was euthanized when an xray was taken of her upper spine and skull. A tumour was found at the base of her skull and spine. Lady Calypso also developed a staggering type gait, star gazing attitude. BG was borderline, so she was given a low dose of pediapred. She didn't improve so her BG was retaken....there was no change. Her pediapred was increased but her health didn't improve. Xrays were taken and a spinal tumour was found. This is only my experience with a couple of "insulinoma" ferrets who weren't actually insulinoma but exhibited insulinoma type symptoms. ciao I'm so sorry to hear about your poor Lady Zena too x Thank you, some really useful info here, much appreciated If not insulinoma related then other possible causes are: - Neurological issues (brain tumour for example)
- FIP (but is usually only young ferrets)
- Exposure to a toxin of some kind
More seizure info here
Unfortunately at the age of 6 if it isn't insulinoma, it is most likely something neurological in my limited opinion. Further evidence in that direction is that the Phenobarbitone helped initially for a while but then became ineffective. Any type of major organ involvement (other than brain / central nervous system) or infection, the vet should have noticed by now with testing. I'll tag some of the other experienced mentors / admins and see if they have some other possibilities...
Sherry, Heather, katt
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Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2014 10:33:08 GMT -5
I'm very sorry about Flo. She is just beautiful. I do recognize those symptoms. They sound like Insulinoma. Did your Vet do a fasting bloodwork? There are some differing opinions as to what constitutes the proper BG levels. Each of those symptoms are a sign that her BG has crashed. Prednisolone is not a short term medicine like antibiotics. Insulinoma does not go away. With proper management of her Insulinoma, Flo can gain more time and have a better quality of life. However, that means that you need to be her health advocate. You would want to get familiar with the signs and symptoms and learn how to keep her Blood Glucose stable. Here is a link to an Overview of Insulinoma: holisticferret60.proboards.com/thread/2702/insulinoma-overviewI found the Forum looking for help for my Ponce. He was six and I suspected Insulinoma. The problem was that we had just moved and couldn't find a ferret savvy vet. That can make all the difference in the world. Most vets will see ferrets, but usually deal with cats and dogs and do not have adequate education on ferrets. You want a exotic vet specialist who understands Insulinoma, Adrenal, IBD and deals with mostly ferrets. I lost my Ponce to Lymphoma at almost seven. When Flo has a seizure, dab a little Karo syrup on her gums. Karo is faster acting than honey. While you want to avoid any sugary foods or treats, the Karo will help stop the seizure and should only be used for that. You want to avoid any sugary foods to help keep her BG stable. What diet is she on now? You have all my best wishes. Please keep us updated. We have alot of ferrents on the forum who have dealt with all manner of medical issues and they will pop in also. (dance) So sorry to hear about your little Ponce. It's so sad as they're so delicate aren't they. We only just lost Flo's sister Phoebe a few months ago (a tumour on her adrenal that wasn't sex-hormone producing, so the implant actually gave her adrenal disease-like symptoms) so I can completely understand your sadness.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2014 15:33:41 GMT -5
Hi everyone, Just a little update. Flo went back in on Friday for her final blood panel, to be screened at a different lab: - Insulin/Glucose pairing (fasted) - Hematology/Biochemistry profile - Toxoplasmosis and Leptospirosis She was very brave and still doing good. She had a slight turn on Friday evening, but not a full seizure. On a scale of 1 (low) and 10 (intense), it was around a 2. I'm keeping her stable with hand-feeding before night, and she's still on the same small dose of Prednisolone - until we get any further with the diagnosis. She was such a good little girl! Tara
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Post by Deleted on Dec 2, 2014 21:47:55 GMT -5
Good luck and let us know what happens. Continue being strong and brave Flo! Give her lots of love for us.
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Post by katt on Dec 2, 2014 22:44:57 GMT -5
Any idea when the results will be back?
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2014 16:56:28 GMT -5
Hi everyone, I hope you're all well. Just an update to give you the test results: Flo tested positive for the Toxoplasmosis. They couldn't ascertain whether it was still in her system, or was a previous infection. She has been on liquid phenobarbitone (0.4ml) and a strong antibiotic for 3 weeks. She has been 100% fit-free since 19th December. That is the most stable she has been for 12 months. We are delighted! Insulinoma has not been ruled out, but so long as she is seizure-free we are happy that she is healthy. Happy New Year all wherever in the world you and your fuzzballs are, and thank you x
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Post by unclejoe on Dec 29, 2014 19:10:45 GMT -5
Great news. What was her blood glucose, if you don't mind? Just wondering why it wasn't ruled out.
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Post by Heather on Dec 29, 2014 22:20:08 GMT -5
Hmm, yes that would be absolutely conclusive and an easy test ciao
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2015 8:36:35 GMT -5
Hi Uncle Joe and Heather, sorry I don't get post updates on here so I didn't realise there'd been any more replies.
Thank you for your interest in my case. Her BG have always been in the lower end of normal - but I'm going to get her actual levels.
Out of interest, what would be the options of treatment if it were an insulinoma in your opinions?
(Flo had almost a miraculous recovery during her treatment of antibiotics - with no fits or funny turns - but as soon as she finished the course, the symptoms recurred almost immediately. That is so strange. She's back on the antibiotics now to see if a longer course will kill whatever it is that's taken hold - if it's related to the Toxoplasmosis.
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Post by Heather on Jan 26, 2015 11:36:32 GMT -5
I'm sorry that the antibiotics didn't entirely fix what is wrong. They obviously are the right course of action but as to why the seizures would recur so quickly upon finishing the course of antibiotics is not promising. Perhaps, she does indeed need a longer dose or perhaps a different type of antibiotic to finish the job. I hope you're able to find the answers to help your little one. Good luck ciao
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Post by Deleted on Jan 27, 2015 8:07:25 GMT -5
Thanks so much Heather. I'll keep you posted. Tara
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Post by Deleted on Jan 31, 2015 17:48:47 GMT -5
Hi everyone, Flo's antibiotic has been increased. Fingers crossed for some stability again. On a brighter note, she's had her first two full night sleepovers with Marlowe, one of the three new rescues we got recently. He's such a little gentleman and it's so nice to see her with some company since her sister Phoebe passed over the Rainbow Bridge in August. We also have Kenny, a stray who's turning out to be massive, but is calming down every day, and another little girl called Dixie, who's very, very feisty. She'll be the last one to be introduced. We're taking it slowly as she's never been around other ferrets - Phoebe was fiercely protective! She'd drag even the biggest hobs off screaming. We got the new ones because we wanted Flo to have company. It's ironic that we have to house them separately because of Flo's health issues - our aim was to have her completely healthy and then introduce; but as time goes on, we figure that close monitoring of the new ones around her, with a gradual introduction will be really good for her soul if nothing else! Have a lovely weekend. Tara P.S. Here's their Twitter account if you fancy seeing some pics, wherever in the world you are.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 9, 2015 13:24:27 GMT -5
Hi everyone,
We have taken Flo off all her medication, apart from 0.1ml Phenobarbitone once a day. She has been more stable one her reduced dose. Not perfect - but her episodes are less frequent and less severe.
Here are the recorded BG levels - they don't really mean that much to me unfortunately; it's also worth bearing in mind she was on Phenobarbitone which may have alterered the results... 17/10/14 - blood glucose 3.4 (3.9-8.1) - insulin 11 (normal is < 24)
30/10/14 - glucose 4.3 (3.9-8.1) - insulin 9.3
05/12/14 Glucose * 1.4 mmol/l 4.3-6.6 BUT SAMPLE HAEMOLYSED SO LIKELY INACCURATE Insulin 12.3 ulU/ml 31/01/15 glusose 2.9 on in house glucometer but these are not thought to be particularly accurate
I thought you might like to see just how much she's improved - this was filmed around a month ago - I just haven't had a chance to post it up here:
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