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Insulinoma
Ferrets are also known to suffer from insulinoma, a cancer of the pancreas. The
growth of cancerous nodules on the lobes of the pancreas sometimes, but not
always, leads to an increase in the production of insulin, which regulates the
rate at which the ferret's body metabolizes blood glucose. Too much insulin will
cause blood sugar to drop, resulting in lethargy, seizures, and ultimately
death. Symptoms of insulinoma include episodes of lethargy, drooling, pawing
and/or foaming at the mouth, staring "blankly" into space, and seizures.
Like adrenal cancer, the exact cause of insulinoma is unknown. It is speculated
that the diets of domestic ferrets are too far removed from the natural diets of
their polecat ancestors, and include too much sugar or simple carbohydrates.
Treatment for insulinoma may include surgical excision of the cancerous lobes,
pharmaceutical treatment with steroids that suppress the production of insulin,
supplemental changes in diet (most often poultry-based baby food), or a
combination thereof. Unfortunately, the growth of the tumors cannot be
completely stopped, and the ferret will eventually suffer a reoccurrence of
symptoms.
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