From:
sukiec@optonline.net
Date: 2004-03-30 18:54:50 UTC
Subject: RE: extremely tired ferret
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <8245595.1080672890325.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Usually folks use surgery except for ones who have very strong reasons to not attempt surgery. For those who have very strong reasons to not attempt surgery it is usually the pre-existing medical problem which takes them.
So, what I am saying is that by going with Lupron instead of surgery you are involved in a new experience which means that most people won't know how things present or what the presentations may mean (including if something else can or should be done over time). Certainly, if the cause of the adrenal growths was some form of malignancy instead of a benign tumor then there are questions about what degree of help Lupron may provide or not provide, depending factors such as on the type of malignancy.
Mourning can cause lethargy (or alternatively can cause frantic behavior).
In any of our's with lethargy we DO check for possible medical causes, with chest imaging, and CBC with Chemistry Panel. Have to check common things like heart, blood glucose, etc.
One thing I'd certainly wonder about is anemia secondary to the adrenal growth. That can cause lethargy and according to past posts of Dr. Jerry Murray it HAS been seen in ferrets being treated with Lupron, and additional meds are then needed for survival.
For example, in http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org/browse.php?msg=SG5436 Dr. Jerry Murray writes in part:
>I personally use and like the once a
>month version. That way the ferret is rechecked each month,
>and any changes can be made if needed. Changes such as
>increasing the amount of Lupron if needed, adding other
>medicines such as melatonin, Propecia for prostate problems,
>and Arimidex + Epogen for anemia problems. Plus if any
>new problems (insuliona, etc) develop they can be treated
>quickly.
If your vet is uncomfortable doing surgery on ferrets or is not good at it:
vet links list in critical references: http://www.ferretcongress.org
the vets in the shelter list: http://www.supportourshelters.org
http://www.ferretuniverse.com/index.html