• Trace amounts of glucose can be seen in the urine of clinically normal ferrets.
• Glucosuria occurs when blood glucose concentration exceeds renal threshold. Thus, it may occur when the blood concentration is elevated and/or renal threshold is reduced.
• Glucosuria may be associated with hyperglycemia, but is not always so.
• Several physiological factors can increase blood glucose levels and cause glucosuria in ferrets. Examples of events which can result in glucosuria include stress resulting from handling, transport or hospitalization, chronic stresses such a pain, administration of glucose-containing fluids may result in glucosuria as well as diet rich in carbohydrates.
• Conditions which may be associated with glucosuria in ferrets may include anorexia, hepatic lipidosis Hepatic lipidosis and ketosis, diabetes mellitus Diabetes mellitus (rare), pregnancy.

Uses

Alone

• Infrequently a stand-alone test.

In combination

• Part of health check on urinary system, including other urinalysis tests.
• To confirm diabetes mellitus Diabetes mellitus, serial blood and urine sampling is required. Also consider the patient's history, including dietary history and blood glucose.