Insulinoma in Ferrets: Signs, Causes and Treatment

While quite rare in other species, insulinomas are relatively common in middle aged and older ferrets. It is a cancer of the pancreas that causes serious symptoms and has a survival time of about 6 months to two years. There may be one or more tumours affecting the pancreas and, while not common in ferrets, this cancer can spread to other parts of the body.

The majority of ferrets will be managed medically with steroids, but there are other treatment options available. Dietary management and regular veterinary check ups are key when it comes to managing these little guys.

What Is Insulinoma in Ferrets?

An insulinoma is a pancreatic tumour that causes the release of excessive amounts of insulin, which reduces blood sugar levels.

What Causes Insulinoma in Ferrets?

As with many cancers, the cause is not clear. We do know that some ferrets seem to have a genetic susceptibility to this cancer, and that certain lines of ferrets experience higher rates.

Pancreatic Tumours and Insulin Overproduction

It is the beta cells of the pancreas which are affected, and they produce an uncontrolled amounts of insulin. This insulin creates a situation where there is persistent hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).

Why Ferrets Are Commonly Affected

As well as a genetic predisposition, it is assumed that feeding a carbohydrate rich diet can put stress on the beta cells. Many commercial diets developed for ferrets contain too much carbohydrates and sugars.

There is also a theory that living in a high stress or inappropriate environment could play a role for some.

The Link Between Insulinoma and Adrenal Disease

Adrenal disease is common in ferrets. For some, they will have both adrenal disease and an insulinoma, independent of each other. Both are diseases that occur in middle-aged ferrets, so your vet should screen for both of them if your little buddy is showing symptoms.

What Are the Signs of Insulinoma in Ferrets?

The signs of an insulinoma can start off slow, but will then progress. Before long, it is usually quite clear that your ferret is unwell.

Hypoglycaemic Episodes and Weakness

The low circulating sugar levels lead to lethargy and weakness. Initially, these episodes come and go. As the disease progresses, the ferret is lethargic all of the time.

Seizures and Loss of Consciousness

In more advanced disease stages, when glucose levels can get critically low, seizures and coma can occur.

Changes in Body Condition and Behaviour

As your ferret is unable to use the glucose in their body properly, they will lose weight. This is true even if they are eating well. They will lose muscle and body condition.

Additional symptoms can include:

• Nausea and drooling
• Pawing at the mouth and tooth grinding
• Vomiting
• Hind limb weakness
• Glassy eyes

Is Insulinoma in Ferrets an Emergency?

An insulinoma has the potential to cause an emergency situation, yes. This is because a very low glucose level can be life-threatening.

Recognising a Hypoglycaemic Crisis

When blood sugar levels are low, your ferret will become very weak and can develop tremors and seizures. There is even the risk of them falling into a coma.

When to Contact an Emergency Vet

Call the emergency vet right away if you are concerned your pet ferret may be experiencing low blood sugar. They may seem very sleepy or unresponsive when you call or touch them.

How Is Insulinoma in Ferrets Diagnosed?

Your vet will be suspicious of an insulinoma if you have a middle aged ferret presenting with the classic symptoms.

Clinical Examination and Patient History

Your vet will assess your ferret, checking for a low body condition score and muscle wastage. They’ll also want to know about recent signs you’ve spotted at home, and any episodes of weakness or hind limb dragging.

Blood Glucose Level Testing

Blood sugar levels can be checked, which is usually done after the ferret has been fasted for a few hours. Veterinarians can also administer IV glucose to check that this abruptly improves signs.

Imaging

The tumours are so small that imaging (whether ultrasound or X-ray) is usually normal and unremarkable.

How Is Insulinoma in Ferrets Treated?

For the vast majority, management is with medication. The aim is to control signs and improve quality of life.

Medical Management and Drug Therapy

The medicine is given palliatively and will not cure the tumour. Usually, the medicine we give is prednisolone. Diazoxide is used in some patients to inhibit insulin secretion, though is considerably more costly.

A small number of patients may undergo chemotherapy with Doxorubicin.

Surgical Removal of Pancreatic Tumours

Where available, surgery can improve survival times. Any visible tumours are removed, and this sometimes means surgically removing part of the pancreas (partial pancreatectomy). The entire abdomen should be checked for any cancer spread at the same time.

Diet, Protein and Feeding Schedules

The importance of diet cannot be emphasized enough as they have a high demand for protein. A low carbohydrate diet is essential. Any sugary treats must stop.

These ferrets need to eat very regularly. Some will dislike their new diet, so owners must keep a close eye out for any food strikes.

How Do You Manage Insulinoma in Ferrets Long-Term?

Insulinomas can be well-managed for several years with the right care.

High-Protein, Low-Sugar Diets for Ferrets

Ferrets are obligate carnivores. Offering a high protein diet is really important when it comes to management of this condition. Aim for about 50% protein and no more than 15% carbohydrates in the diet.

Working With Your Vet and Veterinary Technicians

Your veterinary clinic will want to see your ferret regularly for check ups, to ensure their condition is being well managed.

What Is the Prognosis for Ferrets With Insulinoma?

Although we cannot usually cure insulinomas, ferrets can go on to live for several years after their initial diagnosis.

Get Veterinary Care for Your Ferret

Contact us if you have any concerns for your pet ferret, or if you feel they may be showing signs of an insulinoma.

Insulinoma in Ferrets: FAQs

What are the first signs of insulinoma in ferrets?

Early signs include a weakness that comes and goes, and being difficult to wake up from sleeping. You might also notice your ferret has lost weight despite no change in their food.

Is insulinoma common in ferrets?

Insulinoma is very common in ferrets and makes up about 25% of all diagnosed cancers. This makes it the most prevalent cancer in this species.

Can surgery cure insulinoma in ferrets?

Surgery is not curative, no. The aim of surgery is to slow disease progression. It usually carries a more favourable prognosis compared to medical management alone.

What should I feed a ferret with insulinoma?

Diets need to be low in sugar in carbohydrates and sugars. We want to offer a protein rich diet, containing about 50% protein in total.

How long can a ferret live with insulinoma?

Survival times vary depending on age and health status, but ferrets generally live six months to two or three years after their initial diagnosis.

Is this condition the same as Cushing’s in dogs?

Adrenal disease in ferrets is different to hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s) in canines, as it involves excess sex hormone production, rather than high cortisol levels.