From:
sukiec@optonline.net
Date: 2005-03-12 18:32:22 UTC
Subject: RE: I wonder...
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <4165542.1110652342471.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
I don't know, but on the topic of FSH there has been some intriquing preliminary research (originally an Intel ISEF Science Fair project under guidance of some professors (I think at SUNY SB) and I hope the work is bing continued) indicating that a high level of Follicle Stimulating Hormone can itself be a possible cause of osteoporosis, and Dr. Jerry Murray has mentioned that melatonin could have some bone retention benefits if memory serves.
In spayed and altered ferrets high FSH levels may exist long term and that long term effect may be the problem, so the FSH level may not say much in general about the adrenals themselves, BUT I sure can see where it could perhaps be a great way to assess preventative measures if it works for ferrets or if something like it would work, and that is something which all of us who use preventaitve approaches all NEED. I could imagine where an FSH test might tell us when and for which ferret the preventive measures aren't working anymore and a tougher preventative approach could be used for the needy individual.
Without the problem hormonal reply that the reproductive tissue would send the FSH output continues. That is the premise behind the Spring Lupron shot -- to signal that the message has been received, and it doesn't need to be sent continuously.
Some vets are beginning to wonder if a Spring shot is enough, or if it is enough for some, and if that test you noticed, Mike, or something like it could be used it sure would be a very nifty way to spot easily and cheaply for whom a measure like the preventative Spring Lupron injection worked or for whom it didn't. Knowing for whom it didn't would premit other preventative methods to be used, or for the Lupron to be repeated.
If this possibility is the way you were thinking, I apologise for being thick of head today, MIke!
I don't have idea if it would work or if something like that product could be made for ferrets, or even if my interpretation is correct. Just mind dancing a little here...