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One of the most common ferret illnesses found in the United States is insulinoma. This ailment many times coincides with adrenal disease but can occur on its own. Insulinoma are tumors found on the pancreas causing the excess production of insulin which to leads hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

The tumors are generally very small, approximately the size of a pinhead but some have been reported as being larger. A ferret may have only one tumor or multiples and at times the tumors can be microscopic and scattered throughout the ferret's pancreas. A ferret may have these tumors growing inside their body long before symptoms occur.

Symptoms

Low blood sugar levels causes lethargy and the ferret may appear to be depressed and staggering. The ferret can become nauseous and he will paw at the mouth and drool. As the tumors progress, so do the symptoms. A ferret will begin to sleep for longer periods of time and the sleep can become deep, preventing the ferret from being awakened easily.

As the insulinoma advances, a ferret may experience stages of unconsciousness and seizures have also been reported. The severity of the symptoms depends upon the sugar levels of the ferret which can decrease or increase throughout the day. When these symptoms occur, immediate veterinary treatment is required.

Treatments

A veterinarian can perform blood tests to check the ferret's blood sugar levels. There are several treatment options for insulinoma which generally depend on the severity of the tumors. Both medications and surgery are options for ferrets with insulinoma. However, medications do not cure the disease and surgery may only be a temporary fix as the tumors can return.

There are many variables to contemplate when choosing the best treatment for you and your ferret. As the disease progresses, medications may need increased. If choosing surgery, there is a high chance of the tumors returning and the possibility of more surgeries in the ferret's future.

Whether you choose medications or surgery, the diet of the ferret will need special consideration. The diet should be high-protein and several meals should be offered throughout the day. Avoid all sweetened foods and treats which can increase glucose levels. Hairball medications can contain sugar and will need adjusted accordingly.

Most cases of insulinoma do lead to the early death of the ferret. The tumors can spread beyond the pancreas and into other organs and complications from the hypoglycemia can be more than the ferret's body can handle. The options may be minimal but the ferret can be given the best quality care for the remainder of their life. Each of these issues should be discussed with your veterinarian and together, you can decide what the best treatment would be for your ferret.

Learn more about this author, Angela Pollock.
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