To Martha and other interested insulinoma ferret owners: There simply is no reason for a ferret with insulinoma to experience continuing episodes of hypoglycemia (not really "seizures" but may lead to this in the extreme). The daily administration of prednisone has long been prescribed to relieve this symptom of insulinoma. The ferret often goes on to live happily, and symptom-free, for a year or more. We have not found that surgery prolongs life in these cases and so opt not to do it, but that is a personal choice that each owner must make.I've been working with ferrets for 20 years now, and running a shelter for 10 years. A lot of insulinoma has come our way. We treat daily with 5 to 10mg of prednisone (depending upon the ferret's size and duration of disease), plus an antibiotic (usually ampicillin, or if there are other problems, Baytril) because steroids lower the immune system, so the antibiotics are supportive. The medicating is made easy by introducing the ferrets to lactose-free milk (these guys are lactose intolerant but love milk) which they love, adding a little nutrical to cover the taste of the meds, and they take their medicine with gusto. The easiest source of lactose-free milk is in the baby food section of the supermarket; it is made by Enfamil and called "Lactofree". If the ferret has normal weight, you can also use the ready-made stuff in the dairy section, with the other milk. It is usually skim milk so if you need to put weight on the ferret, the baby formula is the better choice. This milk method is perfect for any ferret having to take meds. This way you can make use of the tablet form of prednisone and antibiotics, which are immensely cheaper than the liquid type and seem to agree with the ferret's stomach better. You just crush them and mix them into already warmed milk. Caution: Never use regular milk with ferrets. Most of our insulinoma cases have lived relatively happy lives from 1 to 2 1/2 years after diagnosis and have had no recurring hypoglycemia. Feel free to email me directly if you have any questions. Carolyn at Ferret Rescue in Colorado Springs [Posted in FML issue 3169]