Hello everyone!
 
As some of you know, my sweet little mama's boy Daggett has Insulinoma.
(He's been on Pediapred for a year and 1/2 now.) For a little while,
he's had blackheads and some orange crust on his tail, which has also
lost fur (but is not completley bald).  I've tried using gentle acne type
cleansers and mild soaps on his tail and nothing seems to be working.
Last night I noticed that he also has dry, flaky skin on the back of his
hind legs and his fur all over is getting to be a little dried out and
brittle.  Now, just to clarify, I have NOT been giving him a bath to try
and clear the blackheads, just washing and rinsing his tail in the sink,
so the only thing touching soap and water is his tail.
 
I also have a little girl, Bean, who has always been an extremely itchy
little fert.  At one point a few years ago, the was starting to get a
dry, brittle coat and after doing some research, I started giving her
a small amount of Linatone (which is essentially Ferretone for cats,
as Ferretone was not widely carried at the time)and that gave her a
BEAUTIFUL full soft fuzzy coat.  My inclination is to do the same for
Daggett, but since he has Insulinoma, I don't think the Ferretone (or
Linatone) would be good for him.
 
For the record, they are fed a mixture of Totally Ferret (for older
ferts), 8 in 1 ultimate, The Ferret Store food and occasionally some
Iams Kitten and / or Purina One for Sensitive Stomachs for a little
variety.  They also get a small amount of Science Diet feline A/D 2
times a day (Daggett with his Pediapred mixed in and Bean, just so
she'll leave Daggett alone long enough to take his medicine!)
 
Does any one have any advice / suggestions??
 
Also, my darlings are about to turn 8 this year...and I've heard so many
different answers regarding the lifespan of a ferret (anywhere from 8-15
years) I was just wondering if anyone had any insight into how old a
ferret with insulinoma might live?  Or I guess a better question might
be, how long does Pediapred usually work?  We've increased his dose to
2ml 2 x a day and it's starting to show signs of not being entirely
effective anymore.  (and surgery is not an option for him)
 
Thanks and I hope everyone and their kids are doing well in the New Year!
 
Leslie, Bean and Daggett
[Posted in FML issue 5129]