I just came home from the Emergency Animal Hospital where I took my
ferret in for a seizure, fairly mild I think, however I did recognize it
as a seizure.  Insulinoma - which is what I figured.  Because this was
not my regular vet, I don't know how to interpret his prognosis.  They
gave him some IV dextrose and he came out of it right away and wanted
to know what all the fuss was about.
 
DJ has never been sick a day in his life (that I know of).  He's over 8
years old and I have noticed he's slowed down a lot, likes to sleep more.
And I figure that's pretty normal.  I have another ferret, Missy, who is
very sick - but likes life to much to let it slow her down, she's 8 also.
 
Anyway, I have him here at home, I couldn't afford to keep him at the
hospital.  They sent me home with dextrose to give him by mouth
frequently, and some a/d canned food (which he won't eat.yet).  I will
go see my regular vet on Monday morning.  I'm a nurse, so I understand
the disease and what it does to his little body.  My question -Is it
reasonable to think that I can manage it at home for a couple of days?
I know that depends on many different factors, but 1.  this is the first
time I've seen anything like this in him, 2.  he responded very quickly
at the animal hospital, and 3.  I have enough knowledge to understand the
disease process & his habits and can recognize the signs of him starting
to go downhill before he completely crashes (I think).  Or am I just
being incredibly ignorant?  My biggest thing is that I don't want him
to suffer this weekend.  Monday, I'll be able to get a handle on all of
this - if I get that far.
 
Please respond to me individually so I can get a quicker response.
Thanks.  Holly
[Posted in FML issue 5200]