From:
"Marc Kramer"
Date: 2002-11-02 02:21:32 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Needing a little help
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <F74dRiQfjw3J1iPYcqZ00007f27@hotmail.com>
Jerry, Bruce, other DVMs, etc -
I have found that many of the male ferrets with paraprostatic cysts or
abscesses secondary to adrenal gland disease have normal adrenal blood
panels (the Univ of Tenn. panel). In fact, the 3 worst prostatic disease
cases I have seen had normal sex hormone levels (at least the 3 that U Tenn
measures anyway). Just FYI.
Can someone elaborate on the use of melatonin in adrenal cases? This product
is not widely used at this point and I haven't seen anything written up
about it.
Marc Kramer, DVM
--
Marc H. Kramer, DVM
Avian & Exotic Animal Medical Center
12125 S. Dixie Hwy.
Miami, FL 33156
(305) 234-2473
http://www.avianexotic.com
ExoticDVM On-Line Forum Moderator
----Original Message Follows----
From: AFERRETVET@cs.com
Reply-To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Hi Mary,
Yes, the enlarged prostate, itchy skin and hair loss
are the classic signs of adrenal gland disease in males.
The anemia is also likely to be secondary to the adrenal
gland disease. The enlarged spleen may have been from
the adrenal gland disease too. Now what to do for the little
guy. Surgery to remove the abnormal gland(s) is the first option
in a healthy ferret. The second option is to treat him medically.
Lupron is the first option to control the adrenals. What dose of the
4 month version did he receive? Most of the prostate cases will require
high doses of Lupron (ie 2mgs of the 4 month version).
The next option is to increase the Lupron dose and/or add Melatonin.
As for the prostste itself, was the "green sludge" cultured? This
sounds like pus and thus an infected prostate. Was an antibiotic
used (Baytril, etc.)? The 2 things needed to treat the prostate are an
antibiotic and Propecia (or Proscar) to reduce the size of the prostate.
The itchy skin should resolve once the adrenal gland disease is under
control. In the mean time you can use topical treatments such as
Relief shampoo and Relief conditioner or Resicort conditioner as needed
to control the itchy skin. Benadryl (orally) can also be used.
Hope that helps,
Jerry Murray, DVM
--
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