From:
sukieferret
Date: 2002-05-16 22:08:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Gidget (Part 2 -- searched on Lysodren this time)
Okay, I got curious and did a search on "Lysodren." Here are
some of the vet posts I found:
Message 7815:
Lysodren does not tend to do very well. Lupron is my drug of
choice, followed by Casodex - they block the symptoms of the
adrenal problem, but the tumor is still there and still growing, as
you mentioned. However, be advised that the majority of ferrets
with blockage of the vena cava develop enough collateral
circulation that that blockage is not really a problem.
Surgery for her is still an option as long as her remaining kidney
is functioning properly - if her kidney values are off, then it
becomes more iffy. You might want to think about a second
surgical opinion, based on the findings - call the University, ask
them about their recommendations. Maybe the ferret vets there
know of someone closer to you that has the expertise.
And I know that he has you worried about a carcinoma - just be
aware that no veterinarian can determine whether an adrenal
tumor is a carcinoma or not based on what it looks like grossly.
It takes the expertise of a pathologist to determine that. I have
seen some very large adrenal tumors come back as adenomas,
not carcinomas. On the opposite hand, I have had some teeny
ones come back as carcinomas. That's why it's always
important to have pathology done.
Good luck.
Dr. Ruth
*****************************************
Save lives - spay or neuter your pet.
Message 3473:
Sounds like you are talking about Lysodren.
Yes, lysodren will lower cortisol levels which
will lower the blood glucose level. Not a good
product for adrenal gland disease and especially
not if they have an insulinoma.
Jerry Murray, DVM
Message 3473 of
1127:
While it is possible that the pred is causing the hairloss, I would
look for other signs of adrenal disease (increased itching,
alopecia
on the hind paws, etc) that may be more subtle.
...
> point. In terms of medical management, Lysodren or Lupron?
> Are there any contraindications of either of these with
Pediapred
> usage? She goes to the vet this week, and I'd like to be aware
of
> our available options.
...
>
I'd vote for Lupron myself - much better efficacy with fewer side
effects, in my experience.
-Dr. Karen
DISCLAIMER:
This e-mail is provided for general informational purposes only.
It is in
no way intended as a replacement for a consultation with a
qualified
licensed veterinarian. If you are concerned about your pet's
health, you
should seek the advice of your regular veterinarian as soon as
possible.
1137:
(bhw) While excessive doses of prednisone, or lower doses
given over
moths or years can result in hair loss in traditional domestic
species - this is extreemly rare in ferrets. They are quite
resistant to the prolonged effects of prednisone, although I
suspect
if you gave enough pred for a long enough period, you could
induce a
cushingoid syndrome, with its resultant alopecia. But I strongly
agree with Dr. Purcell here - adrenal disease is by far the more
likely possibility.
...
Actually, you are asking us to guess here as well. It is
exceedingly
difficult to assess sugical candidacy of a ferret online -
chronicological age is generally not a factor. If there is no
evidence of heart or renal disease, if the glucose is well
regulated,
and the vet is a good surgeon and anesthetist - surgery may well
be
an option.
I do see a worrisome trend, though, but not unexpected - people
tend
to rely on medical therapy knowing that the treatment does not
reduce
the size or growth of adrenal tumors, but simply blocks the
effects
of the estrogen. However, if medical therapy is considered to be
the
best option, then Lysodren is really not a consideration. The
effects of Lysodren are unpredictable - the same dosage could
do
nothing in one ferret, and wipe out the adrenals in another
(although
it is more likely that it will do nothing.) Lupron is safe, and
effective in hair regrowth, and to a smaller extent, reversing
some
of the lethargy associated with the adrenal disease.
With kindest regards,
Bruce H. Williams, DVM, DACVP