The use of low‐dose dexmedetomidine constant rate infusion to stabilise blood glucose in a domestic ferret ( Mustela putorius furo ) with insulinoma undergoing sevoflurane anaesthesia

Abstract

Abstract A 5.5‐year‐old, male domestic ferret ( Mustela putorius furo ) diagnosed with insulinoma was presented for a dental procedure under general anaesthesia. In insulinoma patients, it is essential to avoid hypoglycaemia. In other species, constant rate infusion of dexmedetomidine has been reported to sustain adequate blood glucose by inhibiting insulin secretion. Following premedication with butorphanol and midazolam, anaesthesia was induced with alfaxalone and maintained with sevoflurane and dexmedetomidine constant rate infusion (0.25–0.5 µg/kg/h). Serial blood glucose measurements demonstrated an initial rapid surge, increasing to hyperglycaemic levels even after cessation of dexmedetomidine constant rate infusion. After a delayed recovery with blood glucose decreasing over time, the ferret fully recovered and remained euglycaemic until discharge. This case report highlights the rapid rise of blood glucose shortly after starting dexmedetomidine. Dexmedetomidine constant rate infusion might not be necessary for prednisolone‐treated ferrets to avoid hypoglycaemia, but the anaesthetic‐sparing and analgesic effects could still be useful to provide balanced anaesthesia in insulinoma patients.