When it comes to monitoring the health of your ferret(s), one of the areas you must pay attention to is the blood glucose levels. Hypoglycemia is a medical name of a condition of low blood sugar level. It is a common condition found within ferrets that is caused by Insulinoma.
Insulinoma is a sort of tumor, due to which the amount of insulin in the ferret’s body rapidly increases resulting in low blood sugar levels. If it is severe then it may even cause seizure, or worse, death.
Checking the glucose level of your ferret should be added as a part of an important routine in your life. You can learn the symptoms of a low blood sugar level but sometimes the symptoms aren’t that clear. That is why it is recommended by most professional vets that you test the sugar level of your ferret every once in a while to remain up to date.
To learn about how to find the best vet near you, check out our guide here. Otherwise, read on to learn more about these complications that many ferrets unfortunately go through, so you can stay better prepared.
Signs Of Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a common condition found in most pets. However, in severe cases, it leads ferrets to a really weak state; they enter a non-responsive condition that compels you to immediately take them to a vet.
The signs of low blood sugar levels start showing when it drops too low. If your ferret shows the following symptoms then it is a sign of Hypoglycemia.
- Dizziness
- Body twitching
- Nausea
- Depressed episodes (your ferret won’t be acting like they usually are)
- Stargazing
- Collapse
For saving yourself from situations like these you should have a first aid kit prepared for your ferret.
What You Need To Know About Blood Glucose And Its Test
The blood glucose level in a ferret is normally between 65mg to 112mg. If it falls lower than 65mg then it is highly possible your ferret is diagnosed with Insulinoma.
Getting blood sugar levels checked every once in a while will keep you updated about its health and body. A ferret of age 3 or more is obligated to get its blood glucose checked at least 2-3 times a year.
The blood glucose level is scanned using glucose measurement strips. But, in modern days, vets generally use a digital glucometer.
If a ferret is diagnosed with Hypoglycemia, the vets first try to slowly treat the problem instead of reversing the disease on the spot. Their first priority is to stabilize the ferret and provide suitable fluids until your ferret starts maintaining its normal health.
In some situations, ferrets can’t be cured even with the help of medical treatment that uses fluids. When that happens the doctor is enforced to perform surgery.
The surgery is performed for the removal of pancreatic tumors inside the ferret. This surgery is small and can lead your ferret towards better health.
However, according to studies, ferrets live for about 8-12 months healthily after the performed surgery. After this period, their body can start showing side effects. For that reason, it is better to know all the details from your vet before allowing him to perform surgery.
Testing Blood Glucose Level At Home
In this day and age, where everything is at our doorstep, there is no need to go out for every little thing. You can do the glucose readings at your home and save the results to show to your vet on your next visit. Blood testing at home is better than troubling your pet to an all-day stay at the vet; it will save you a lot of time and money and you can do all of the testings in mere seconds.
Testing the glucose level is pretty easy as long as you have the required right tools at home.
- Blood testing monitor
- Blood testing strips
- Needles
- Lancing device
- Calibration fluid
All these supplies are available in a kit that you can find on Amazon. We have listed some of the best blood testing kits for animals here that come with the best reviews.
VetMate Diabetes Monitoring Kit
This kit is best for swiftly and easily checking the diabetes level of your pet. These kits are used both by pet owners and vets. It comes with a blood glucose testing meter; 10 test strips, 10 lancets, 1 lancing device, 2 batteries, and a solution. All of this comes in a carrying case.
It has a manual in case too; if this is your first time doing a glucose check at home, the manual will help you a lot. It takes at most 5 seconds to get the result by using only a few drops of blood.
This kit is known to give trusty results at home and you won’t feel the need to go to the vet every other week to get a blood glucose test.
If you want to grab yours then use this link:
AlphaTRAK 2 Diabetes Monitoring Kit
AlphaTRAK 2 is specifically made for cats and dogs. But, luckily, you can use the dog settings to check the blood glucose level of your ferret. It comes with a measuring meter, a poking needle, 25 test strips, 30 lancets, and a calibrating liquid.
All these things come in a bag too.
It needs a single battery to work that comes along with the kit. It requires a very small amount of blood and is used by a lot of vets out there. The code setting of this monitor is different so in case you face any misunderstanding then call Zoetis, the manufacturing company of AlphaTRAK 2, to get all the information you need.
Caring For Your Pet
The needlework during the blood withdrawal will most likely make your pet uncomfortable.
So, use Vaseline on the spot where you put the needle in to give them some comfort. Give them treats and pats to make their mood better.
How To Test The Blood Glucose Level
Once you have all the supplies you need, the next thing you need to do is grab your ferret.
The best time to take a blood sample is when your ferret is asleep because during that time their feet are warm and they don’t move around much.
The worst time to take a blood sample is when your ferret is up and playing. Their body is tired and the feet are most likely cold because of running around.
Now, you need to distract your ferret first by giving it some sort of treat. Once they are busy licking their treat, gently grab their paw and massage it.
Use Vaseline on the paw and place the lancing device on it, make sure the fur doesn’t get in the way of the device so you get a proper amount of blood. Also, make sure you don’t rush when acquiring the blood sample otherwise you will have to use another test strip. Performing the whole process again can be tiring for both you and your ferret.
Once the test is done, give your pet more treats to keep their more good. Associate blood testing with something good.
That is all you need to do and know about the blood glucose testing of a ferret.