Randy:
 
Here is info on some meds to help:
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/browse.php?msg=SG7311
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/browse.php?msg=SG6593
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/browse.php?msg=SG3114
 
Has the prostate developed a cyst?
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/browse.php?msg=SG12819
 
Rufus may have to have a PU if part of the problem is in his urethra
instead of higher up:
http://www.petcarevabeach.com/pen1.html
 
Watch out for hydroneprosis in him.
 
The urine can be removed by needle, keeping him far safer.
 
Has he been checked for stones?  If they are present be sure to have
them checked because the approaches for different types of stones vary
radically.
 
Has he been checked for infection?
 
Anne, why are you using Dex instead of Pred?  Dex usually is less
effective for blood glucose maintenance, and Pred is typically a very
safe med for ferrets.  Ask your vet if you perhaps can space the Pred
8 hours apart instead of the usual 12.  That helps some due to the 9
hour action of the med.  If you are giving Prednisone ask about going to
Prednisolone since that skips a liver processing step so if the liver is
at all compromised it will be more effective.  Consider a trial with a
small compounded sample of Diazoxide as well as steroid.  You can find
compounding vets who carry common ferret meds in the reference shelf of
the Files at the FHL website.  Always have food available and easy to
reach.
 
A lot of the tiniest insulinomas are found using magnifiers or touch.
Has your vet considered that perhaps vision or touch has become less
effective for him/her?  That could be from aging, disease, injury,
calluses, different gloves, etc.
 
-- Sukie (not a vet)
Ferret Health List co-moderator
http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/ferrethealth
FHL Archives fan
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/
replacing
http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org
International Ferret Congress advisor
http://www.ferretcongress.org
[Posted in FML issue 5169]