Viscum album

[matilde]

Hello everyone!

My 4 1/2 year old jill was recently diagnosed with insulinoma. She is already on prednisolone (1mg/kg) and she is responding well.

A vet friend of mine suggested using injectable Viscum album but I could not find anything about it for the treatment of insulinoma or even about its use in ferrets.
Does anyone have any information or experience using this plant?

Thank you

[PatienceTheVirtue]

That's weird. It's usually for blood pressure issues, not glycemic issues. I've also heard about it for cancer or viral shedding, but never blood glucose. It's also a plant that may not be properly broken down in ferrets since they're carnivorous.

I wouldn't risk nor recommend it personally, but if it's something you're going to try anyway then make sure you're monitoring BG extremely closely, feeding every 4 hours, still have the normal supplies of pred and corn syrup in case of crashes, and are working hand in hand with your normal vet and an emergency vet. If you're going to do something then always do it as safely as possible, you know?

Again, I don't recommend it. No evidence in the general area of insulinoma, let alone in the species of ferrets at all.

Best of luck! I hope she continues to do well.

[matilde]

Thank you for your advice and best wishes PatienceTheVirtue!