From:
girbabe1@comcast.net
Date: 2003-11-25 19:55:27 UTC
Subject: Lupron studies and long term use
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <5419122.1069790127487.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
I am wondering if anyone has actually confirmed that their ferret's organs =
were healthy prior to administering Lupron therapy. If so, I would also be=
interested to know the results of any necropsy that was performed if they =
passed away. I am aware of certain studies regarding Lupron therapy on fer=
rets however, it is my understanding that the only real controlled study is=
through the University of Tennessee. There are no other published studies=
. In addition, we don't have enough safety data to know the long term affe=
cts of Lupron in humans, and I don't believe I've heard or read anything ab=
out long term effects in ferrets. I also read about a cancer study where t=
here was evidence that Lupron stimulates cancer cell growth in men with pro=
state cancer after 1 year of therapy. My own research into Lupron is drive=
n by the death of my ferret - at 3 years old. She was diagnosed with adren=
al disease about 14 months ago but did not undergo any clinical testing. S=
he came into the shelter bald, I fostered her and she was promptly started =
on Lupron (I was ignorant about ferret health at that time). Due to the Lu=
pron controversy, last week I chose to have her undergo adrenal surgery in =
lieu of continuing Lupron. What they found was a mess and immediately euth=
anized her (thank God). Her necropsy and lab results showed she was bilate=
ral adrenal, had tumors the size of peas on her pancreas, a cyst on her kid=
ney about to burst and lymph glands that were 3-4 times their normal size (=
lymphosarcoma). Could be coincidence but I'm not so sure. Bottom line is =
this: Does anyone REALLY know the condition of their ferret before startin=
g Lupron therapy? How do we know that Lupron given over long term is not h=
arming our ferrets? Are you making your decisions based on fact or heresay=
? I really am not looking for opinions. I'd like to understand what facts=
have been published about this drug.
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