From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2005-07-20 20:09:50 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] adrenal again or overdose of pred?
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <20050720200950.14997.qmail@web30606.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Hi,
> I was just wondering if anyone has any insight
> about:
> 1) whether it's more likely to be an adrenal mass,
> or a hormone reaction
High dosage of cortisols can result in overall hair
thinning (we've seen that with Nyssa) but not hair
loss in a typical adrenal pattern. I read Sukie's
post with Dr. Williams' comments. I've never heard of
the vulva getting enlarged as a side effect of
prednisone. My guess (and I am NOT a vet) would be a
recurrence of adrenal disease.
>
> 2) whether there's a good way to tell the difference
If you are getting actual balding or hair loss in a
typical adrenal pattern I'd say adrenal, not pred.
>
> 3) whether it even matters (I suppose the Lupron
> would treat it either way?)
Lupron and/or melatonin. We used the monthly lupron
depot with Podo when his adrenal recurred around age
9.5. He had cardiomyopathy and insulinoma and simply
wasn't a good surgical candidate. Considering Ellie's
lymphoma I'd discuss lupron with your vet. Our vet
went with the monthly depot so that he could change
the dosage sooner if needed. It wasn't needed as in
Podo did fine on the dosage he was given and all
adrenal symptoms disappeared during the final months
of his life.
>
> and 4) whether there's any reason to worry about
> giving her prednisone and lupron at the same time
None at all that I know of. Podo was on prednisolone
(pediapred), lasix, and lupron all at once. There
were no ill effects, only good ones as Podo had a good
quality of life almost right to the end. He was just
about 10 years old when lymphoma finally caught up
with him.
One thing: if you are using prednisone you may want to
talk with your vet about prednisolone instead.
The usual disclaimer applies: I am not a vet, just a
somewhat experienced ferret owner.
All the best,
Caity and the fantastic five
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