Currently the ferret has gone from being a hunting mammal to becoming the pet of many homes, so much so that in the United States the ferret is the most common pet after dogs and cats, and it is not surprising, since it is an animal that was domesticated approximately 2,500 years ago in order to hunt rabbits.
Like any pet, it requires specific care and periodic veterinary check-ups in order to avoid or treat any he alth problem that may arise in time, since ferrets are prone to certain pathologies, among which we could highlight cancer.
In this article on our site we talk specifically about the symptoms and treatment of insulinoma in ferrets, a malignant tumor that is frequently diagnosed in these animals and that affects pancreatic cells.
What is insulinoma?
Insulin is a malignant tumor that affects the pancreas, specifically the cells of the pancreatic islets, which are those that secrete a hormone called insulin, whose balance is essential for he alth.
In he althy conditions, insulin allows the organism of animals to take advantage of the energy obtained through carbohydrates, since it is the hormone that allows the passage of glucose to the cells. Insulin is released into the bloodstream based on blood glucose levels, and when these have stabilized, insulin is no longer secreted.
In a ferret affected by insulinoma insulin secretion is continuous and blood glucose levels are necessary for the proper functioning of the body fall below normal parameters, which is known as hypoglycemia and can lead our pet to a coma if not treated properly.
Ferrets between the ages of 4 and 6 have a higher risk of suffering from this type of cancer, although fortunately in these animals metastasis does not occur frequently.
Insulinoma symptoms
The symptoms of insulinoma in ferrets are those typical of a sudden drop in blood glucose and affect the neurological system and tissues, since glucose acts as a source of energy for the entire body. If our ferret does not have enough glucose, it can be shown as follows:
- Lost look
- Agitation
- Nervousness
- Lack of coordination in movements
- Disorientation
- Muscle tremor
- Drool
- Nausea and vomiting
- Excessive salivation
- Coma (in severe hypoglycemia)
Repeated hypoglycemia also causes weight loss and severe cases can lead to neurological sequelae.
If we notice these symptoms in our ferret we should offer him food and if he refuses, put honey on his gums and oral cavity to try to restore the blood glucose levels.
Treatment and diagnosis of insulinoma in ferrets
In the face of any sign of hypoglycaemia we must immediately go to the vet and he will verify if it is an insulinoma based on a biopsy and analysis of pancreatic tissue. If the diagnosis is confirmed, there are several therapeutic resources to treat a ferret with insulinoma:
Surgery: If complete removal of the tumor is possible, surgery is the treatment that offers the best results, although it is not always possible to remove all the cancerous tissue and other aspects of the animal must always be assessed such as age
Pharmacological treatment: Drugs that increase blood glucose levels and inhibit insulin production will be used
Chemotherapy treatment: Chemotherapy acts on cancer cells, however, it also destroys he althy cells and tissues, and its use in ferrets is not safe due to the many adverse effects it can cause
Dietary treatment: Correcting our pet's diet is essential in the treatment of insulinoma We must avoid simple sugars and moderate carbohydrates carbon, increase the protein intake and give the food in frequent but moderate amounts.
The veterinarian will tell us which treatment is the most suitable taking into account the individual characteristics of our ferret and will determine the subsequent controls to which it must undergo.
