http://www.smartgroups.com/message/readmessage.cfm?gid=1423922
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>Now that he doesn't need Prednisone anymore, I'm wondering if it's a
>good idea to keep him on it for the insulinoma.  Vet said you don't
>treat insulinoma until he shows signs that it's bothering him.  What's
>the typical protocol?  I've heard many people tell me that once
>insulinoma is found, they are treated with some kind of medication
>forever, even if it's in the beginning stage.
 
While clinical signs are one way to tell if surgery has not cured the
insulinoma, a blood glucose value is a more sensitive sign.  Many ferrets
adjust to lower than normal blood sugars, and may be asymptomatic into
the high 40's.
 
Prednisone administration in ferrets should truly be based on BG levels
to preclude clinical signs.  Clinical signs of hypoglycemia are a
definite indicator to start prednisone administration in a non-surgical
candidate.  However prednisone is not necessarily warranted in ferrets
with a history of surgically treated insulinoma.
 
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM
[Posted in FML issue 4224]