Steven,
The most common disease (by far most common) that will cause a collapse
episode (or seziure) in a ferret is insulinoma (usually several small
pancreas tumors).  These tumors cause an increased release of insulin which
in turn results in a low blood glucose level (hypoglycemia).  This is most
likely to occur after a sweet meal (which includes semi-moist cat foods) or
large meal.  Its best to feed these ferrets several small meals a day to help
decrease the amount of hypoglycemic episodes.  These episodes can lead to
death and are reversable with karo syrup or honey rubbed on their gums.  It
usually takes 15-30 minutes for them to recover from these episodes.  If
there is no response to the karo the first time repeat it every 5 minutes
until recovery.
This is a serious disease that needs to be diagnosed and treated ASAP.  We
diagnose this by getting a blood glucose during an attack(Positive is less
then 60) or a blood glucose level after a 4-6 hour fast.
Other symptoms include severe weakness, lethargy, salivation, rear leg
weakness.
This is a common condition in ferrets that most "ferret vets" recognize.
The best treatment is surgical removal of the tumors.  In ferrets that are
not surgical candidates or if surgery is not an option medical treatment
includes drugs that increase blood glucose levels including prednisone 0.5-1
mg/kg divided BID).  Sometimes it is necessary to add diazoxide (10mg/kg
divided BID) to the treatment.
Good Luck
Dr Weiss
301-299-4142
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[Posted in FML issue 1131]