Message Number: FHL9436 | New FHL Archives Search
From: "Amanda"
Date: 2009-07-13 23:37:46 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Treatment for adrenal ferret
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com

--- In ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com, "Karen McCabe" <cinnamon_sprite@...> wrote:
>
> --- In ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com, "Amanda" <amandadegraw@> wrote:
> >
> > The reason why the hypothalmus is stimulated to release GnRH (which in turn causes the pituitary to release FH and LSH) is because the hypothalmus is stimulated by hormones like estradiol and estrogen, which are over-produced by the adrenal gland when it is cancerous.
> >
>
> This does not make sense, as adrenal disease does not begin as cancer. Adrenal disease begins with enlargement of the glands (hyperplasia), then proceeds to a precancerous state, then to a benign cancerous state (adenoma), and then to a malignant cancerous state (adenocarcinoma).
>

I understand that adrenal disease does not start as cancer, and follows the states you described. I was not disagreeing with the fact that adrenal disease STARTS in the brain with LSH and FH stimulating the adrenals leading to hyperplasia. I even said that (except my choice to use the word lesion was not a good one) "Adrenal cancer may
be one of those "what came first, the chicken or the egg" dicussions. The current research shows that TOO much LSH over stimulates the adrenals, which in turn may lead to cancerous lesions.Once the lesion is formed though, the hormones it releases cause more FH and LSH to be released, making things much worse. So, while the problem seem to begin at the brain, it is not because of cancer. It is probably a genetic precondition, or envirnomental, or both."

> > Correct me if I am wrong because this is an assumption, but I believe that extensive necropsies have been done on ferrets with adrenal cancer. I am sure it would have been discovered that this was a cancer originating in the brain and not in the adrenal gland by now.
> >
>
> I think you've misunderstood what I've said. The cancer does not originate in the brain, the hormones that stimulate the adrenal glands, which leads to enlargement and eventually cancer (in the adrenal glands), do.
>
> Karen McCabe
> http://www.cinnamonsprite.net
> http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/adrenalferretslist/
>

No I did understand. I was just trying to explain why some people believe surgery is a cure for the disease. I agree with you that surgery does nothing to stop the pituitary from secreting the hormones that stimulate the adrenals, and that is a problem. I guess it boils down to how FH and LSH are bad? Honestly, if it were my ferret (which it might be if you have read my other post entitled "bald spots") I would treat with lupron and/or melatonin and opt for surgery if the ferret was a good candidate. I would continue the meds after surgery for life.

Thanks for the great discussion! :)




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