Message Number: YG3293 | New FHL Archives Search
From: AFERRETVET@cs.com
Date: 2001-05-06 05:47:31 UTC
Subject: [Ferret-Health-list] Re:Propecia/Proscar

Looks like this did not make it the first time.
From: AFERRETVET@c...
Full-name: AFERRETVET
To: Ferret-Health-list@y...
More info on Propecia and Proscar. They both contain
the active ingredient finasteride. (Propecia has 1 mg and
Proscar has 5 mg.)
Why does a prostate become enlarged?
In the prostate testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone
(DHT). DHT is the major androgen of the prostate. DHT is the key
hormone stimulating the enlargement of the prostate (both in the
stromal and glandular compartments). Estradiol, testosterone, and
other growth factors are also involved. Propecia/Proscar blocks
the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT. This lowers the
DHT level in the serum and in the prostate and causes the prostate
to decrease in size. DHT also effects the liver and causes hair lose

(male pattern baldness). That is why Propecia is marketed for
hair loss in humans, while Proscar is marketed for prostatic
hyperplasia in humans (BPH).
There is a good article about using Propecia/Proscar in dogs for
prostatic enlargement in JAVMA April 15, 2001.
Again I use it with Lupron. Lupron to control the adrenal gland
hormones and Propecia to control DHT and the prostate.
I hope that answers your questions,
Jerry Murray, DVM