Laura and Mac,
 
>Mac is the most affectionate and loving child (*6-8 yrs old)
>Recent attacks - he is playing then stops, rubs at his mouth, lies  on  his
side and salivates
 
These sound like seziures.  The most common disease that will cause this (by
far most common) is insulinoma.  These are tumors of the pancreas which are
causing an excess production of insulin.  Insulin causes the blood glucose
level to drop, which in turn cause the seziures (insulin shock).  It is not
known what causes these tumors, but treatment is a must to save them from
having more and more frequent (and severe) seziures.
The best treatment is surgical removal of the tumors as soon as possible. At
time of surgery, we examine the liver (and maybe biopsy) for sign of
metastasis (spread) and the adrenals for tumors (adrenal tumors and
pancreatic tumors can occur concurrently.  Post op the ferret most be watched
closely for signs of hypoglycemia.
In ferrets that are not surgical candidates; medical treatment consists of
prednisone (0.5mg/kg divided twice a day) and/or a medication called
diazoxide.  Medical treatment does not always control the seziures and can
have sides effects.
For seziures, in the meantime, you can rub a fingerfull of karo syrup or
honey on Macs gums to take him out of the hypoglycemic episode.  To prevent
hypoglycemic attacks it is best to fed small frequent meals and to avoid
sweet treats with a lot of sugar.
 
Good luck , I hope your baby is ok
Dr. Weiss
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301-299-4142
[Posted in FML issue 1086]