From:
<jen@klefenz.ca>
Date: 2004-02-28 03:53:52 UTC
Subject: RE: [ferrethealth] Lupron and Adrenal Questions
To: <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
Message-ID: <YO0CID2ojJUzFHrNOOH0000007b@YO0CID2>
Luteinizing hormone, sorry :)
-----Original Message-----
From: Jennifer Strong-Klefenz [mailto:Jennifer@FerretVet.ca] On Behalf Of
jen@klefenz.ca
Sent: Friday, February 27, 2004 11:40 PM
To: 'ferrethealth@smartgroups.com'
Hi Terri,
I hope I get this right :)
Lupron is a lutelizing hormone analog which suppresses FSH (follicular
stimulating hormone) which, in a neutered ferret binds to receptors on the
adrenal glands causing hypertrophy and tumor formation. (in an intact ferret
FSH would induce ovulation or testosterone production)
The reason that adrenal tumors in ferrets are not cushings disease is
because cushings is the result of neoplasia/hypertrophy of the layer of the
adrenal gland responsible for cortisol production. There are 3 layers in
adrenal glands and the one that is affected in ferrets is the sex hormone
layer that produces androgens. The symptoms are different.
And some ferrets do in fact go addisons after a bilateral adrenalectomy, but
what is anticipated is that there will be a small remnant of adrenal tissue
after the main part is removed. It can still function as the adrenal should,
at a lower level. It is capable of a degree of adjustment and can eventually
produce enough adrenal hormone to prevent addisons. Ferrets are sometimes
put on corticosteroids on alternate day therapy after bilat adrenalectomy to
get them through the period of adjustment, but I know someone who now has to
feed her ferret extra salt, and give a mineralocorticoid because her ferret
has yet to function normally on her own.
I hope this helps,
Jen