From:
AFERRETVET@cs.com
Date: 2001-03-26 18:37:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] Reasons for Lupron
Hi Tara,
I will try to explain when and why I have used the monthly
Lupron depot for the past 3 years. First the when: I use Lupron
for those ferrets that are too high a risk for surgery. This means
they
have other problems such as lymphoma, heart disease, kidney disease,
ADV, and/or insulinoma that would make them at risk for dying during
the
surgery. I also use caution if the ferret is above 6 years of age
because
a lot of these ferrets have subclinical heart problems. Plus they
also take
a longer time to recovery. (Yes I do surgery on the older ones if
the owner
wants to.) Now the why: Lupron stops the stimulation to the adrenal
gland which in turns lowers the sex hormones being produced. That is
why
the hair regrows, vulvas return to normal size, prostates return to
normal
size,
activity level goes up, and muscle mass is regained. No, it does not
destroy
the adrenal gland or kill adrenal cancer cells. It just stops the
stimulation
to
the adrenal gland(s). In my opinion, if Lupron is started early
enough it MAY
prevent hyperplasia/cancer from developing. This is why I suggest
using it if
only one gland is removed during surgery. Now in your case, if you
decline
surgery then you have 3 options. Medical therapy with Lupron or
Melatonin
or no treatment. I think Lurpon and Melatonin improve the quality of
life
and are good options for those nonsurgery cases.
Hope that helps,
Jerry Murray, DVM