Pancreatic Beta Cell Tumors in the Ferret

Date: November 6, 2019; reviewed and updated March 31, 2022

By: Charles Cummings, DVM CertAqV

Second Author:Christal Pollock, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice)

Reviewed by: Sue Chen, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice)

Keywords: , , , , , , ,

Categories: Ferret,  Mammals,  Emergency Medicine 

Key Points

  • Pancreatic beta cell tumor or insulinoma is commonly seen in middle-aged to older pet ferrets in some nations, including the United States.
  • Signs of hypoglycemia frequently include altered mentation, a dazed or glazed appearance in the eyes (star-gazing), posterior paresis and ataxia, as well as ptyalism and pawing at the mouth. Ferrets may also collapse or exhibit seizure activity.
  • Normal fasting blood glucose levels range from 80 to 120 mg/dL. Fasting blood glucose should exceed 70 mg/dL and blood glucose measuring less than 70 mg/dL is strongly suggestive of insulinoma.
  • Mild to moderate hypoglycemic episodes may be managed with frequent meals of high-quality, high-protein diet.
  • While there is no cure for beta cell tumors, surgical debulkment of the tumor with possible partial pancreatectomy is the treatment of choice.
  • Medical management of insulinoma centers around corticosteroid and/or diazoxide administration.

Pancreatic beta cell tumor or insulinoma is commonly seen in middle-aged to older pet ferrets in some nations, including the United States. This article reviews the common clinical picture as well as expected laboratory results. While there is no cure for beta cell tumors, surgical debulkment of the tumor with possible partial pancreatectomy is the treatment of choice. This treatment modality is discussed as well as medical management, which centers around corticosteroid and/or diazoxide administration . . .

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To cite this page:

Cummings C, Pollock C. Pancreatic beta cell tumors in the ferret. March 31, 2022. LafeberVet web site. Available at https://lafeber.com/vet/pancreatic-beta-cell-tumors-in-the-ferret/