As a conscientious pet owner, no doubt you’ll want to provide your ferret with all the vaccinations he needs, like distemper and rabies. Ferrets are mammals just like cats and dogs and are subject to being susceptible to these diseases and can also transmit them to other mammals – including humans. By following your veterinarian’s vaccination schedule and keeping your ferret away from potentially infected animals, you’ll have a healthy, happy companion!
Unfortunately, certain types of cancer can occur among ferrets and is the leading cause of death of older ferrets. Although veterinary science has made much progress in identifying and treating mammal oncology (cancer), there is still no cure for some cancers among ferrets.
If your ferret is more than 2-3 years old, this is the most likely time that he will develop ferret insulinoma. Technically, this is a disease of the ferret’s pancreas that causes tumors within the pancreas itself. Ferret insulinoma occurs when the tumors produce very high levels of insulin, resulting in symptoms that you can observe: weakness, lethargy, increased salivation, teeth grinding, particular weakness in the ferret’s hindquarters, and seizures. If your ferret shows any of these symptoms, a trip to the vet is an absolute must so that ferret insulinoma can either be correctly diagnosed or ruled out. Your vet will conduct many exams and tests if he/she suspects ferret insulinoma, including specific tests that determine the amount of insulin in your pet’s system. With a diagnosis of ferret insulinoma, other blood test are usually normal. Your vet will also do an ultrasound examination to visualize any possible cancerous tumors on the ferret’s pancreas.
Ferret insulinoma is a serious condition that can be treated –-usually through surgery-- but there is no cure for this type of cancer in ferrets. Your vet may suggest surgery to remove the tumors or removal of part of the pancreas. The benefits of surgery include a reduction of your ferret’s symptoms, and lengthening his lifespan. However, with ferret insulinoma, removal of all the tumor(s) is unlikely and your ferret will need continual veterinary treatment. Follow-up treatment after surgery for ferret insulinoma includes the medication prednisone, a powerful steroid that improves insulin levels. The medication diazoxide works also to normalize your ferret’s insulin production by his pancreas. To maintain your ferret’s health, he will need to take these medications for the rest of his life.
If your pet develops ferret insulinoma, remember that this is a serious cancer that is 100% fatal if left untreated. Fortunately, with correct veterinary care, your ferret friend can still live with a good quality of life for several years to come. Even though ferret insulinoma cannot be cured, it can be controlled.
Tags: Ferret Insuinoma
Pat Newell wrote,
One of my 6 ferrets has just been diagnosed with Insulinoma. I am of course devastated. Her name is Sadie and she’s 5 years old. My regular vet was on vacation so I had to take her as an emergency to another exotics experienced vet in my area. The advise I was given was to start her on Prednesone 2x a day and take her home and spoil her. Then when the time comes I’ll know it and to bring her back to have her put to sleep. Tonight I logged onto this site to get some information about this disease. I HAVE RENEWED HOPE NOW because from what I’ve been reading these ferrets can live a few more years with treatment. This vet gave Sadie a death sentence with no more advise than to take her home to die. THANK YOU.
Link | March 10th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Carpet Shark wrote,
Hi Pat-
You made our day, so glad to hear we helped in some small way. It’s not hopeless, it can be managed, get back to your regular vet or find a ferret specialist, they can certainly help! It’s serious, but manageable.
Link | March 11th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
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Link | April 30th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Megan wrote,
I found out my 3 year old ferret Lilly has insulinoma yesterday. I am devastated! She is also on Prednesone 2 times a day and a new diet. I want to keep her happy and out of pain as long as I can. I just don’t know what I will do when I lose her and my other ferret Dexter will just die without her. She is usually very wild and loves to play and get into things shes not supposed to. I miss this. She still plays some, but as much as she did. Will my Lilly ever return to herself again? How can I keep her happy and healthy and her with me and Dexter for a while?
Link | August 7th, 2009 at 8:16 am
Carpet Shark wrote,
I’m so sorry to hear that Megan. Yes, with the proper medication you can extend Lilly’s life, and I’ve had two that responded well to prednesone- in fact they were back to their old selves after their medicine, and then would gradually feel a little sicker until the next dose. Be sure to have lots of fun things to do like funnels, a few tasty treats (our kids love chew stars and chew sticks), and of course spend all the time you can with her. A word about Dexter- I’m worried. Not to scare you, but with my bonded pair, and a few I’ve seen at the shelter, sometimes you loose both- the other sweetheart will die of a broken heart. It’s absolutely terrible. Is Lilly social? If you can do it without making her upset, you may consider adopting an additional ferret from a shelter, so if something does happen, Dexter isn’t alone. This isn’t a replacement of course- but it may help Dexter cope. Of course using this strategy I ended up with a house full of ferrets, but that isn’t such a bad thing… Anyway, Lilly is lucky to have such a caring Mom, and I hope she hangs in there for years to come.
Link | August 9th, 2009 at 9:41 am
Megan wrote,
Thank you Carpet Shark! I took Lilly to the vet again this morning, she was acting sorta dazed last night so she need a checkup! I found another ferret vet close to home so we are going there Monday to get another ultra sound and maybe talk about surgery. Did any of your ferrets have surgery? I just want to do what is best for her. I want my sassy, thieving little girl back! I am afraid to get more ferrets because I can’t deal with whats going on with my 2 I now. I love them alot and its killing me to she one of them go through this and I scared Dexter will be next. Hopefully Lilly will still be around for a year or two, and Dexter will not get sick and pass with old age! How many ferrets do you have and how long have your ferrets lived (if you have had some before)?
Link | August 12th, 2009 at 6:17 am
Carpet Shark wrote,
Hi Megan-
Had two kids get surgery for adrenal, and saw maybe a half dozen at the shelter get surgery as well. They all came through fine- we have a really good ferret vet. If you can find a vet that specializes in exotics, or even better specializes in ferrets like your doc, it improves your chances. Not that a regular vet cannot do the surgery, it’s just more experience with ferrets helps. I totally understand how you feel- it’s gut wrenching when the little ones are sick. Let’s see, we’ve got 4 furkids in the house right now, I’ve had as many as seven. We’ve had ferrets for about the last twenty years, and I used to volunteer at a shelter than had over 100. Lifespan varies of course, but it’s usually about 5 to 7 years. I’ve heard of more long lived little guys, but haven’t seen it first hand. With the right medicine and surgery they can stick around a few more years.
Link | August 12th, 2009 at 11:07 am
Shawn wrote,
Interesting reading. My 9 year old ferret has been diagnose with this and it is very hard. We give her prednisone 2x per day with chicken babyfood from a syringe. It is hard because she is so old and I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to keep her around for me and wife if it means she is in pain and miserable. How do you know when it is the right time to put her to sleep?
Link | November 23rd, 2009 at 7:33 pm
Carpet Shark wrote,
Wow Shawn, my heart goes out to you. This is probably the most agonizing decision a pet owner can make. When I volunteered at the shelter, the manager there would not put down a ferret unless they had repeated seizures. We had one that had a little wheeled carriage for her rear legs so she could get around. Another that had to have help going to the bathroom. Some with external tumors that were inoperable. She’s kinda the extreme case, but I certainly understand and I don’t fault her for holding on to them, she simply loved them so much she couldn’t let go.
Now I’ll tell you what I believe personally, and you can decide what’s right for you and your little one. When the quality of life is gone FOR THEM (in spite of what I want), it’s time. I don’t mean they’re sick, or deaf or old (one of our little girls is blind, another is seven). I don’t mean when they need medicine and it’s a pain to give it to them. When there’s no joy in their life and I’m holding on because I can’t let go- the last thing I think I owe them is peace- it’s not about me, it’s about them, I see it as being a responsible pet owner.
I had an older ferret that wouldn’t run and play with the rest of the business (her ferrety family). She would however still get out, and climb into the warm laundry and snuggle and sleep. It wasn’t time. I had another that had trouble going to the bathroom once in a while, but eventually things worked out. It wasn’t time.
They one day he couldn’t go anymore. He laid in the cage listlessly. No appetite, no thirst, just labored breathing. We rushed him to the vet crying. The vet pulled him out, he was a limp little noodle, so sick. He wasn’t going to get better- and the vet recommended we put him down. You see they don’t really have the capacity to understand sickness- or age. They just know they hurt without end, or that they can’t walk any more. We have to make that decision for them, and it’s awful. We put him down and I still miss him. But it was the right thing to do for him. It’s a terrible decision, but you’ll know when it is time. I can’t make this easier for you, but I do have suggestions if you do have to help them on.
1. Spoil them mercilessly. Not so many treats they get sick- but say one less than the sick point.
2. Bundle and keep them warm- spring for a good felt blanket. Put a favorite toy or sleep sack in the carrier.
3. Take pictures, you’ll want to be able to look back fondly on them.
4. If you only have one ferret- take down the cage and put it away before you go to the vet for the final time. It will hit you like a sledgehammer to see it after you come back.
5. Some vets offer a plaster pawprint, that can help having a little momento.
6. Decide if you’re going to have the vet take care of the body, or if you want to take your little one home for burial. This is a personal choice.
7. Decide how you’re going to let them pass. The vet will offer to administer the shot or the gas for you- with you waiting outside. You’re going to want to do that. It’s a decision you have to make, it’s best if you do it when you’re not upset. I absolutely hate it, but the last thing I’ll do for my babies is hold them when they get the shot. I talk to them, I rock them, they go to sleep and then they’re gone. Sometimes I throw up, all the time I cry, but I still do it, because they need to leave knowing they were loved, cared about, and safe. It’s not about me- it’s about them.
The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this — the last battle — can’t be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don’t let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn’t want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they’ll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end.
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don’t grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We’ve been so close — we two — these years,
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.
~Author Unknown
The rainbow bridge poem may help. Best of luck to your and your fur kid.
Link | November 23rd, 2009 at 8:57 pm
Megan wrote,
Carpet Shark,
I wrote in a few months ago about my little Lilly’s insulinoma. She hasn’t been eating or using the bathroom right so I took her to the vet. I found out that she has liver disease now because of the insulinoma. I feed her ensure and duck soup three times day and she has seemed to perk up some! My vet told me take her home and give her love and make her comfy because she doesn’t have much longer. He told me to give her the treats that she likes and that she could have her favorite chews once again. I am so heartbroken. Her birthday is January 8th and I am just praying that she will be around to turn 4! She is getting a bit more active but she still loves her sleep. I have noticed that my older ferret Dexter really won’t have anything to do with her anymore because she is just so hateful and mean with him. Last night Lilly was sleeping on my chest and Dexter was at my feet and Lilly got up and curled up with him.. it was sweet. I am getting pictures of them Saturday and I would like to know more about the plaster pawprint.. that would be sooo nice to have of my babies! Could you suggest anything nice to do for both of them and do you think the duck soup and ensure is enough for her to eat?
Link | December 18th, 2009 at 10:52 am
Carpet Shark wrote,
Megan-
So sorry to hear Lilly isn’t better- the little furkids just don’t last long enough. You know, in a weird way it may be good that Dexter is pulling away a bit, that way if something happens you may not loose him too. I really believe they can die of a broken heart, I’ve had it happen and seen it at the shelter, so Dexter on his own isn’t such a bad thing. So to answer your questions…
I’ve had good luck with duck soup and also Pedialyte with an eye dropper. At this point I’d get her all the stuff she likes, a little boiled and chicken and rice is usually a hit, and also turkey babyfood disappears pretty quick too. Raisins in moderation, and some kids like Yogies. As for the plaster paw print, the vet mixes up the plaster in a dish, and after your little one passes they press their paw in. It’s kinda like dental plaster- when it sets you get a little circle with their name and pawprint on it. If your vet doesn’t do this, you can do it at home with something like the Plaster Paw Print Kit, that link’s a dynamic search so it should show what’s available now.
Let’s see- what else is ferret fun. Well our kids love blankets just out of the dryer so they’re warm. Bury them in the bedsheets. Also, crinkly bags- plain old paper groceries bags are fine. Tunnels are fun- also stealing little items never seems to get old. Last Christmas we had a ton of wrapping paper all over the house- balling it up lead to never ending entertainment (and larceny). Get lots of pictures, if you’d like for me to put them up on the site you can send them here and I’ll set up your own gallery like I did for Tracey here at ferret pictures. Small balls are okay, if she’s less frisky, then LOTS of blankets for burrowing. Also they seem to love ferretvite pretty much all the time, it’s high calorie and can help them hang on when they’re not feeling well.
Hang in there Megan, it’s hard and you’re going to have to be strong for both of you. Hold her and love on her as much as you can, and be thankful you were able to experience such a bright little star for as long as you did. As I told Shawn, the rainbow bridge poem makes me feel better, I hope it does for you too. One other thing that helped me too, and this is totally up to you. When I lost my bonded pair, I made a donation to one of the ferret shelters in their memory. It just seemed like a nice way to honor them- putting money toward the welfare of a needy furkid just made me feel better, like they were still doing good even though they weren’t with us anymore. If you email the shelter owner and explain the situation, they may send you pictures of your adopted kid- which was always good for a smile when I was down. I donated to Ferret Haven by the Sea, you may also consider our friends at Broward Ferret. You can also check into local shelters- they always need food and volunteers- but I have to warn you, if you volunteer you’re liable to come home with more fuzzies! The lady who ran our shelter had one too many one New Years and let out all 100, you can imagine what mess that was!
Take care Megan, all our best to you and your little ones.
Link | December 18th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
Megan wrote,
Carpet Shark,
Thank you so much for talking and helping me with my babies!!! Its very nice to chat with someone who loves ferrets as much as I do! I have great news… Lilly has been doing much better!! I am trying to find a plaster kit so I can do both of mine.. It would be great to have! Thanks for all the suggestions!! You take care and have a great new year!!
Link | December 29th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Carpet Shark wrote,
Terrific news on Lilly, she’s very lucky to have a great Mom looking out for. Ferrets just make life better.
Link | December 30th, 2009 at 11:51 am
Ferret Pet Insurance Continued | Laughing Ferret wrote,
[...] a ferret can be expensive. And multiple ferrets can be very expensive- particularly if they develop insulinoma or adrenal disease. If you're looking at these kinds of expenses, it makes sense to look into [...]
Link | January 29th, 2010 at 5:03 am