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| Insulinoma is the disease that ferrets are most widely known for. It is caused by the development of tiny tumours on the insulin-producing areas of the pancreas. These tumours release more insulin into the blood than there should be. Insulin is required for cells in the body to take up glucose from the blood, which is necessary for metabolic functions. When there is too much insulin in the blood, the glucose is quickly depleted from the blood, depriving the brain of glucose. This can cause the ferret to become weak, and even have seizures, which are often described as the ferret staring into space.
Insulinoma can be managed surgically by having the tiny pancreatic tumours removed, or medically with oral doses of a steroid that antagonizes insulin, keeping glucose in the blood for use by vital organs like the brain. Like Adrenal disease, Insulinoma is much less common in Europe than in North America. Some have speculated that it could be due to differences in genetic lines, or in how ferrets are cared for. In North America, ferrets are often fed kitten or ferret kibble, and often get sweet treats like raisins or other carbohydrate sources like cereals. In Europe ferrets are more often fed meat products. This had led to the thought that the sugars and carbohydrates in the North American ferret diet causes excessive stimulation of the release of insulin, predisposing the ferret to insulin secreting tumours. It is best to avoid giving your ferret sugary or high carbohydrate treats. Although sold in pet stores, ferret fruit treats are not a healthy choice for these strict carnivores. Linatone, Ferretone, egg, yogurt and pieces of meat are good choices for rewarding or training your ferret. |
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