Home Blood Glucose Testing for Ferrets

Once a ferret is diagnosed with insulinoma, regardless of treatment option, their glucose values will need to checked frequently (every 2-3 months). Often times your Veterinarian will use a veterinarian glucose meter and/or send out samples to the lab. While the meters they often use are pretty accurate, they generally run a little on the low side, so any reading that is questionable will be sent out to the lab for analysis.

The question arises if the meters sold for humans can be used in ferrets for home monitoring. The answer is yes and no. All but one meter requires too large of a blood sample (1-5 microliters), not making it practical. The Freestyle meter by TheraSense however, only requires 0.3 (the size of a pin dot), making this option feasible. (Please note: the use of this meter in this manner is not approved or endorsed by TheraSense).

It is important to keep in mind that human glucometers are calibrated to run lower than actual values (about 20%), providing the individual enough time to react to the situation. When using for ferrets, this should be taken into consideration when calculating the value (multiply your result by 20%), keeping in mind that it will still run slightly lower than lab values.

Follow these steps to perform the test (one person job using a back foot pad):

• Line up all needed supplies: Freelance glucometer, Freelance test strips, Freelance lancet (blue cap for finger set at level "5"), tissues, q-tips, Vaseline, alcohol and of course the treat - ferretone ( do NOT use any sugary treat such as laxatone or nutrical, you will not get an accurate reading which defeats the purpose).

• Locate your ferret. If he/she was sleeping, rub the back footpads to increase circulation.

• Turn the ferret on their back and place some ferretone on their stomach to keep them busy.

• Apply some alcohol to the tissue and wipe the back toe pad you are planning on using to sterilize.

• Apply some Vaseline using a q-tip or tissue and apply a very small amount on the pad which will allow the small amount of blood to bead, and on the fur around the pad to grease it back, wipe up excess.

• Apply more ferretone if needed you're almost done.

• Place the test strip into the meter, and pull back the trigger action on the lancing device.

• Place the lancet up against the foot pad with moderate pressure and release the trigger (this will not hurt your ferret, they often don't even realize anything has happened. If they do, they will quickly go right back to their treat).

• Gently squeeze the pad to get the small blood sample needed.

• Carefully use the side of the test strip (should be in the meter already) to draw up the blood, the meter will beep when it has enough. Be careful not to touch the pad or surrounding fur.

• In a few seconds you will get the results. Multiply the results by 20% and record it for future reference.

• Give your baby a big kiss for being such a good little trooper, and go have fun.

****If you are having a hard time obtaining blood, try changing the needle in the lancing device, it might be dull.