In Ferret Health List Issue 17, a discussion of when to fast or not
fast for blood sugar tests:
 
 Date: Tue, 27 Feb 2001 14:30:36 -0000
 From: "Dr. Bruce Williams" <[log in to unmask]>
 Subject: Re: Checking Blood Glucose Level
 
Dear XXXXXX,
 
That would depend on whether this is a routine screen or if your ferret
has already shown signs of insulinoma.
 
As a general rule, it is not terribly helpful to bring a ferret in right
after they have eaten - at this time the glucose is at its highest levels
and the measured levels may not be representative of what it truly going
on.
 
If the ferret has recently shown signs of hypoglycemia, such as trances,
drooling, difficulty walking, etc., I discourage doing a fasting blood
glucose test.  By purposely withholding food, we may precipitate a
hypoglycemic attack.  Usually, when an animal is showing clinical
signglucose , the blood level will show up as low (<60)on a routine
screen.
 
My recommendations for fasting blood glucoses are generally limited to
those who register as borderline (60 - 80) on a routine screen, or
rechecks on animals who have previously had insulinoma, but no clinical
signs since surgery.  A fasting blood glucose facilitates early detection
of insulinoma recurrence in these animals.
 
Anytime that a blood glucose level dips below 60 g/dl, regardless of
whether it is a routine screen or a fasting test, insulinoma should be
strongly considered.  If clinical signs of hypoglycemia are present as
well, then your diagnosis is clear.
 
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, dVM
 
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[Posted in FML issue 3343]