Frail ferret responds to emergency treatment

Dear Heloise: I was driving home one evening and saw a very lost and hungry ferret. I took him home and observed that he was extremely sleepy. I did some research online about ferrets and discovered that almost 80 percent of ferrets die of a condition called insulinoma, which is characterized by tumors of the pancreas that lead to increased insulin production. The increased insulin makes the ferret practically hypoglycemic (when blood sugar drops to a dangerously low level). Of the symptoms, our "new find" exhibited lethargy, stupor (glazed, nonfocusing eyes), salivation and the inability to use its hind legs.
I came across the following trick, and the results were instantaneous. He came out of the fog and began responding immediately when I mixed 2 teaspoons of sugar into 8 ounces of water and gave him three or four drops. A bit of sugar water and a trip to the vet can bring a ferret back from the brink of disaster. I have since found that this treatment is good for emergency treatment only -- it will bring the ferret out of the hypoglycemia, but too much sugar starts the production of more insulin and begins the cycle over. The Web site www.trifl.org has recipes for ferrets and has helped me find a diet that works well for this little guy. His episodes have been greatly reduced. Chris Brisco, Texarkana, Texas
Way to do your homework, Chris! We also discovered similar information from our research. Insulinoma is common among ferrets, especially those in middle age and older. Feeding them high-protein meals regularly, combined with medical treatment, can help your ferret live with this condition, although it cannot be cured. Another emergency treatment that was recommended is to give him a little corn syrup or honey (if necessary, swab just a little on the gums with a cotton-tip swab), then follow with a normal feeding, and take him to the vet ASAP!
Remember, ferrets tend to sleep a lot, but when awake they should be lively. Also, be sure to routinely take your ferret to the vet for checkups. Heloise
Dear Readers: Ruth Collinsworth of Mexia, Texas, sent an adorable photo of Michael the cat, lounging back and propped up in a corner, and looking at the camera as if saying, "Is timeout over yet?"
Visit my Web site at www.Heloi-se.com and click on Pet of the Week to see this photo. Do you have a pet photo you'd like us to feature? If so, send it to: Heloise/Pet Photo, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I have a hint that sounds so obvious, but I guess it isn't to everyone. When people put an ad in our newspaper for a lost dog, cat or other animal, they rarely put the animal's name in the ad. If I should see the lost pet, I need to know a name to get the animal to come to me. Nancy Valles, Burgettstown, Pa.
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