Constant rate infusion of glucagon as an emergency treatment for hypoglycemia in a domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

• Published in: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association Vol. 246; no. 4; pp. 451 - 454
• Main Authors: Bennett, Katarina R, Gaunt, Casey, Parker, Dennilyn L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Veterinary Medical Association 15.02.2015
• Subjects: Animals; Blood Glucose; dexamethasone; Female; Ferrets; glucagon; Glucagon - administration & dosage; Glucagon - therapeutic use; glucose; hypoglycemia; Hypoglycemia - drug therapy; Hypoglycemia - etiology; Hypoglycemia - veterinary; Insulinoma - complications; Insulinoma - surgery; Insulinoma - veterinary; prednisolone; surgery
• ISSN: 0003-1488; 1943-569X
• DOI: 10.2460/javma.246.4.451

Case Description-A 3-year-old female domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) with an insulinoma was treated because of a hypoglycemic crisis prior to scheduled pancreatectomy with concurrent nodulectomy. Clinical Findings-Previously, the ferret had clinical signs of lethargy and hind limb weakness; at that time, blood glucose concentration was low, and a tentative diagnosis (subsequently confirmed) of insulinoma was made. Prednisolone treatment (0.3 mg/kg [0.14 mg/lb], PO, q 12 h) did not improve clinical signs; the dosage was gradually increased over a 1-month course (1.8 mg/kg [0.82 mg/lb], PO, q 12 h) and maintained for 10 days. Overall, the treatment was ineffective, and the ferret remained lethargic and developed inappetence. At a reevaluation, the ferret had severe weakness and nonresponsiveness nearing a comatose state. Standard treatment with dextrose (1 mL of 50% solution, IV), and dexamethasone (1 mg/kg [0.45 mg/lb], SC) was administered with resultant improvement in mentation. The ferret was discharged from the hospital and then returned 3 days later for stabilization prior to pancreatectomy with concurrent nodulectomy. Treatment and Outcome-The day before surgery, the ferret was administered a glucagon constant rate infusion at a rate of 15 ng/kg/min (6.8 ng/lb/min), which resulted in an increase in blood glucose concentration to a euglycemic state and resolution of clinical signs of hypoglycemia. Clinical Relevance-As illustrated by the case described in this report, a glucagon constant rate infusion can be used successfully for the emergency treatment of hyperinsulinemic-hypoglycemic crisis in insulinomic ferrets.