Insulinomas are tumors of the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans.  Islets of Langerhans are irregular structures scattered throughout the pancreas and are in control of its endocrine function.  The beta cells primary job is to secrete insulin.  The cells in these tumors do not respond to the inhibitory stimuli, but they do respond to the proactive stimuli.  Meaning that they listen when the body tells them to secrete insulin, but dont listen when told to stop secretion.

Glucose is the bodies primary source of energy.  It is metabolized fast and therefore easily utilized by the body.  It also supplies the brain with the energy needed for it to function.

Insulin inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, and increases the amount of glucose taken from the blood and stored in the tissues.  This means that insulin stops the production of glucose, and forces it out of the blood and into cells and tissues.

This is unknown.  There are, however, hyptheses about it.  One theory is that it is genetic.  Studies have shown that heavily bred lines are more apt to develope insulinomas than others.  This has not been proven to be a fact, however. 

Another theory is that animals with a high amount of starch in their diets are more apt to develope insulinomas.  An abundance of starch in the diet would cause the body to produce more glucose.  In response, more insulin would be produced to control the glucose levels.  The beta cells would be over worked, increasing the chances for neoplasia.

Clinical signs vary from animal to animal.  The signs may come and go depending on the blood glucose levels.  Weight loss is usually a good indicator that a ferret is sick.  In this case, the decreased amount of glucose circulating in the blood forces the body to utilize stored body fat for energy.

Other signs that may be noted include lethargy, hind end lameness, pawing at the mouth, and loss of coordination.  The animal may also have a dazed, glassy-eyed look about it.  In a severe case, a ferret can have hypoglycemic(low glucose) seizures, coma, or even death.  What to do when a ferret has hypoglycemic seizures is explained later in this article.

If insulinoma (or any disease) is suspected, the ferret should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.  There are other illnesses that can lower the glucose, so your vet may recommend further testing to confirm the insulinomas.  Once confirmed, the veterinarian will then discuss the options available.

There are only three options once a ferret is diagnosed.  One must keep in mind that there is no cure for insulinoma when deciding on a course of action.

• The first, and highly recommended option is medication.  Most ferrets respond wonderfully to Prednisone (Corticone).  Prednisone is an inexpensive steroid that increases the blood glucose concentrations.    It is given in doses ranging from 0.5mg/kg-2.5mg/kg twice daily/  Dosage depends on how well the ferret responds, and should stay at the lowest effective dose.  Typically, the only side effect is that the ferret will eat more.  It is an inexpensive drug.  (I pay ~$30 for 240ml worth which lasts for about 120 days and its flavoured).

After awhile of progression, Prednisone becomes ineffective by itself.  The other medication used is Diazoxide (Proglycon).  Diazoxide inhibits insulin release from the beta cells, decreasing the cellular uptake of glucose and promotes glycogenolysis and glyconeogenesis (glucose production) in the liver.  Diazoxide should be used in conjunction with Prednisone, to keep doseage at a minimum.  Side effects seen with Diazoxide include anorexia and vomiting.  Diazoxide is fairly expensive, ranging from $98 to $130 a month (I dont recall how much I spent on Ce'Nedra, but it came to about $90 monthly - flavored).

On these drugs, a ferret can live happily for 1-2 years with out too many complications (Ce'Nedra lived for over 3 years after she was diagnosed which is unusual).  The blood glucose should be checked monthly. 

• Another option is surgery.  It must be stressed once again that there is no cure for insulinoma.  Treatment surves to prolong the life and quality of life of the ferret.  It should also be noted that insulinoma has a high metastasis rate, and inevitably tumors will grow back.  Also, it is possible that the doctor performing the surgery may have nothing to remove.  The tumors will not necessarily form as lumps on the pancreas, leaving nothing to be removed.  Some doctors will remove part of the pancreas that is believed to be diseased.  This should be done with caution, because it is possible that the wrong part is removed, or some is missed.  This could actually decrease the animals life instead of increasing it.
• The last option, if all else is not possible, is euthanasia.  This is something that must be desided by the owner after consulting with the doctor.  It is suggested trying medication before this.  (I had to euthanize Ce'Nedra because we couldn't get her to stop seizuring from this disease)  This is not a disision to take lightly.

What do I do if my ferret seizures?

You should keep a bottle of honey, a  jar of all-meat baby food, and Q-tips on hand at all times if your ferret has insulinoma.

• Move your ferret to a well padded area (such as a carrier full of blankets) so it wont hurt itself.
• Useing a Q-tip, apply honey (or other high-sugar substance) directly to the ferrets gums.  Be sure to keep your fingers away from the ferrets mouth to avoid being bitten.  The seizures in a ferret with insulinoma are caused by low glucose, so the ferret needs sugar.
• Once the ferret stops seizuring, feed it baby food with a syringe. 
• Contact your veterinarian immediately, and discuss the next steps.

That is hard to say; every case is different.  A ferret that is being treated can live anywhere from 6 months to three years with insulinoma.  Ce'Nedra lived for three years after being diagnosed, but Razzy only lived for a year after he was diagnosed.  The best recomendation is to treat your fert, and make every day count.