Insulinomas in Ferrets Flashcards

Flashcards about Insulinomas in Ferrets

What are insulinomas?

Tumors originating from the beta cells of the pancreas, commonly diagnosed in ferrets aged 2-8 years.

What are the four types of islet cells in the pancreas and what does each secrete?

Alpha cells (glucagon), beta cells (insulin), delta cells (somatostatin), and P cells (pancreatic polypeptide).

How do insulinomas affect blood glucose levels in ferrets?

Neoplastic beta cells synthesize and release insulin autonomously, leading to reduced blood glucose levels.

What factors are proposed to contribute to the development of insulinomas in ferrets?

Genetics or a diet high in carbohydrates, although there is no firm consensus.

What are the primary clinical signs of insulinomas in ferrets?

Hypoglycemia, lethargy, weakness in the hindlimbs, ataxia, disorientation, seizures, collapse, unresponsiveness, tachypnea, and pale mucous membranes.

What are some differential diagnoses to consider when assessing a ferret with suspected insulinoma?

Neurological disease, generalized weakness, cardiac disease, metabolic disorders, severe hepatic disease, severe malnutrition or starvation, and sepsis.

What is a key diagnostic indicator of insulinoma in asymptomatic ferrets during routine testing?

A low blood glucose level.

What blood glucose level is highly suggestive of an insulinoma after a 4-hour fast?

Blood glucose levels lower than 60 mg/dL after withholding food for 4 hours.

What is the normal insulin level for ferrets?

4.88-34.84 μU/ml

What surgical procedures are used to remove insulinomas?

Nodulectomy and/or partial pancreatectomy.

How is an acute hypoglycemic crisis due to insulinoma managed medically?

IV bolus of 50% dextrose diluted 1:1 with saline or LRS, possibly with diazepam for seizures, followed by maintenance IV fluids with 5% dextrose and frequent high-protein meals.

What medications are used to manage chronic hypoglycemia in ferrets with insulinomas?

Prednisolone (0.25 to 0.5 mg/kg PO every 12 hours) or Diazoxide (5 mg/kg PO every 12 hours).

What is the typical prognosis for ferrets with insulinomas?

Clinical signs frequently recur due to the development of new tumors, but prognosis is poor in cases poorly manageable with medication.

Which of the following is/are the most common clinical sign(s) of an insulinoma in ferrets?

Hypoglycemia

Which of the following diagnostic methods is considered the most reliable for confirming hypoglycemia in a ferret suspected of having an insulinoma?

Blood glucose measurement < 60 mg/dL after a 4 hour fast

What drugs are used to medically manage chronic hypoglycemia?

• Prednisolone

• Diazoxide (alternative)

How do you treat acute hypoglycemic crisis?

• IV bolus w/ saline or LRS

• Diazepam if patients continue to have seizures

• Maintenance IV fluids supplemented w/ 5% dextrose

• Switch high-protein meals to maintain constant glucose levels

What is the best option to treat insulinoma?

Surgical removal (nodulectomy or partial pancrectomy)

CS of insulinoma

• Lethargy

• Weakness in the hindlimbs

• Ataxia

• Disorientation

• Seizures

• Collapse

• Unresponsiveness

• Tachypnea

• Pale MM