Is my ferret sick?

Question
Hi. I have two ferrets, one is 2 1/2 years and the other is 9 months. My older ferret (Lily) has over the last several months (since the new ferret) had many unusual and suspicious health issues. First when the other ferret came Lily was very nervous and un-easy about the new edition. She then started to lose weight slowly over about a month. I also was suspicious that she was showing signs of insulinoma(throwing up, blank staring) so we went to the Vet who told me to keep an eye on her and that he couldn't test her for insulinoma unless she was having a spell at that moment. I then did duck soup, baby food and watched her like a hawk. She gained back some weight, but ever since she still never got back her normal size. Her eating is normal, waste as normal, very active but still something seems wrong to me. This has been an ongoing issue for about 2-3 months now. I also am a bad ferret mom who gives too much treats. She has gotten about 10 treats a day (rasins, crasins, yogies) since she was a baby. Is it possible that as she has gotten older all this sugar has taken a toll on her? For a while i wondered if she was just depressed about the new ferret. They get along alright (not great), but the baby is a BIG boy and he pushes her around a bit and it is very obvious that she doesn't like it. Could this cause her to lose weight? I now use a new Vet, but lily has not gone there yet. They are VERY good and knowledgeable but extremely expensive. While i would never compromise Lily's health no matter what the cost, I fear spending my whole savings to find no answers. Is this something serious enough to go to the doctor and just go full throttle on testing on everything and anything?

Answer
Cara, Please be very careful when offering sugary treats to any ferret.  I know how irresistible they are with their cute faces and big adorable eyes, but anything with a high sugar content can cause serious health complications.  One particular concern is indeed insulinoma.  

It is very possible that so much sugar could have taken a toll on your little girl's health.  Insulinoma is caused by the growth of a tumor on the pancreas, and it's symptoms certainly are similar to what you are describing. Glazed eyes, blank staring, seizures and lethargy are common.  If this occurs, quickly give her some honey or Nutrical and rub it on her gums if she is unresponsive.  This will help raise her blood glucose level, which would have dropped dangerously low.  If such a situation occurs, get her to a veterinarian as soon as possible.  

I am confused as to why your veterinarian could not test for the disease.  She can be fasted for 3-4 hours and a blood sample could be drawn and tested.  If the glucose level is below 90, insulinoma is the likely diagnosis.   

Here are several very informative website on the topic:

http://www.heidihoefer.com/pages/ferrets/ferret_insulinoma.htm
http://www.thechipster.com/fert-man.html
http://www.ferretcentral.org/faq/med/insulin.html

There are some things that can be done if she is indeed diagnosed with this condition.  Surgery is an option, especially for a young and otherwise healthy ferret.  The veterinarian can remove the affecting nodules in the pancreas and thus returning the insulin to normal levels.  Unfortunately it is not uncommon for more nodules to form.   If surgery is not an option, oral steroids can offer temporary relief and help to slow the progression of the condition.

Weight loss, however, is not a common side effect of insulinoma.  It certainly may be the stress from the arrival of her new buddy, or perhaps she is just one of those ferrets who shows a side effect of insulinoma that is rarely seen.  It is also entirely possible that the sudden decrease in weight is caused by something else entirely unrelated.

I would recommend a prompt visit to the veterinarian for full blood tests.  This can help rule out any other factors for the weight loss.  Also, by fasting her and testing her glucose level, you can determine if she does indeed have insulinoma.

Please visit the websites i have mentioned.  These are very informative and will give you plenty of details about the condition.  Also, it would be a good idea to stop giving any sugary treats such as raisins, craisins, yogurt, etc.  Continuing with such snacks will make the insulinoma progress faster if that is indeed the diagnosis.

Best of luck Cara!  Please keep me posted as to Lily's progress.  If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to ask.  

-Cindy P.
E.R. Vet Tech


Follow-up:

That's great that you have an appointment to see a veterinarian.  It might be a good idea to find an E.R. phone number that treats ferrets to keep available if her condition worsens suddenly over the weekend.

Cheerios in moderation are fine.  They are mostly carbohydrates, while not the best for ferret nutrition, several a week will not cause harm.  Check the label for the baby food.  Anything chicken based is wonderful, but just make sure there are no sugary substances mixed in there.  Another great treat that my guys adore are those 100 percent dehydrated chicken strips that can be found in the canine isle of the pet store.  They contain no additives and since they are perfectly healthy treats, they get several little bits daily.  At first my new addition to the family was a bit hesitant to warm up to them, but now she eats hers quickly and steals a second piece from my big boy.   

Another good idea is to check the diet you have been feeding your little critters.  Make sure the kibbles are low in carbohydrates and little to no sugar product (anything that ends in -ose).  Ferrets need a lot of protein to keep healthy.  This is usually around 35-40 percent, and a high fat content of over 20 percent.  The first three ingredients have to be meat based, such as chicken or beef.  It is wise to stay away from fish.  There is no perfect single brand, so i mix the best three I can find.  Here are some I tend to like, but you may or may not be able to find in your area:

Innova Evo Ferret or Kitten
Feline Core Wellness
Totally Ferret
Savannah Cat (Timberwolf brand)

Please check the content of the food you have been feeding.  If you decide to switch diets, transition slowly.  Start with a 20/80 mixture and increase the new food content over the course of a week.  This will prevent any upset ferret tummies!  

I hope this will help!  Even a poor diet of kibble can cause insulinoma, and even most ferret specific brands of dry food and treats are not very good for the little guys!  It's important to check labels to see what brands of food and goodies are healthy.

Best of luck!  

-Cindy P.
E.R. Vet Tech