Pancreatic beta cell tumor in a ferret.

A ferret with clinical and laboratory signs of hypoglycemia was found at surgery to have a beta cell tumor of the pancreas. There had been recurrent episodes of weakness, ataxia, dehydration, and hypothermia. A fasting blood glucose content was 43 mg/dl and the amended insulin/glucose ratio was 362.5. The tumor was removed, yet hypoglycemia persisted postoperatively. Clinical signs related to hypoglycemia did not recur following application of medical treatment and frequent feedings. The histologic appearance of the tumor closely resembles that which has been seen in other species.