From:
"Sukie Crandall"
Date: 2007-04-07 16:30:41 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Anemia
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
It is good that you are checking the archives.
They even include marrow transplant info, so
the range of information is wide.
Yes, stabilizing the ferret and then doing surgery
is the best way to go when it is possible. Unfortunately,
once this kind of anemia starts it can progress too quickly
for that to always be an option.
Recommended:
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/SG15827
from 2005
BEGIN QUOTE
Hi Volker,
Anemia in ferrets with adrenal gland disease is
a result of the high estrogen levels. Therefore to treat
anemia from adrenal gland disease, you must lower
the estrogen level. This can be done with several medications,
and in cases with severe anemia several medications should
be used together. Lupron is the first medication. It stops the
stimulation to the adrenal gland(s), so the adrenal gland(s)
produces less estrogen. Arimidex is an aromatase inhibitor,
so it stops the production of estrogen from estrogen precursors
and prevents other hormones (such as DHEAS, ANDRO, and
TESTOSTERONE) from being converted to estrogen. Melatonin
also stops the stimulation to the adrenal gland, can work as an
aromatase inhibitor, AND stimulates the bone marrow to produce
red blood cells. Epogen and Procrit also stimulate the bone marrow
to make more red blood cells. Pet tinic can be used too. This liquid
supplements iron and B vitamins to help the bone marrow make more
red blood cells.
Casodex is not used for estrogen induced bone marrow toxicity.
Casodex is a receptor blocker for androgen (DHT) receptors. It is
used primarily in cases of male ferrets with prostate problems,
and in case with return of sexual behavior or aggressive behavior.
If the andro level is really elevated in a female ferret, it may help
some, but it is used mostly in male ferrets.
Hope that clears things up,
Jerry Murray, DVM
END QUOTE
(Epogen and Procrit are the same med as I recall.)
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/SG13972
also from 2005
BEGIN QUOTE
Hello sindahise,
There are 3 common problems that cause
anemia. 1) Blood loss anemia, such as ulcers,
or major lacerations. 2) Estrogen induced anemia,
such as an intact female in heat and sometimes adrenal
gland disease. 3) and immune mediated anemia.
There are a few things in your post that just do not sound
right. The PCV (hemocrit) of 1% is not possible.
Did the blood smear actually show atypical lymphocytes
or how was the 'likely lymphoma' diagnosed?
Did she have an enlarged vulva?
Now as for what to do treatment wise, I would stop the
flagyl, but continue to use the Carafate and amoxicillin.
I would also stop the pepto.
If it is anemia from estrogen (ie adrenal gland disease) then
using Epogen and Arimidex may help her Melatonin may also
help her make new red blood cells, and using pet tinic and
baby food and/or Hill's a/d may help her out nutritionally.
If the anemia is from immune mediated disease then pediapred
would help her out.
Hope that helps,
Jerry Murray, DVM
END QUOTE
THERE ARE MORE BUT THESE SEEMED THE BEST RECENT FITS
FOR YOUR NEED.
Sukie (not a vet)
Current FHL address:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth
Recommended ferret health links:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/
http://www.afip.org/ferrets/index.html
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/
http://www.ferretcongress.org/
http://www.trifl.org/index.shtml
http://homepage.mac.com/sukie/sukiesferretlinks.html
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