From:
"Cathy Strobach"
Date: 2009-07-15 22:42:33 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re:Treatment for adrenal ferret
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
We at Zoo`s Ferret Sanctuary have dealt with many many cases of adrenal disease. Because we are a lifetime care facility, we see our cases clear through to the end--they are not adopted out. Our foster kids, in other homes, are closely monitored as well.
We specialize in older ferrets, and ferrets with health & behavior issues.We currently have 21 on lupron. 18 of them came here with adrenal issues--and how long they had it before joining us is unknown.
We used to believe that surgery was the only way to go.In our first few years, we put probably 20 furkids through surgery, only to see it return in the other gland, within a year or two :(
I want to add here, that our vets are all exotic specialists, and we have been blessed with some of the best surgeons ever.
When we began to dabble in lupron, we quickly learned that our medical management babies were feeling better, doing better, and outliving our surgical babies!
At this point, we have given over 200 lupron shots, & have been impressed with the results. (We are using the 4 month depot here. Often, results last longer.)
If the fur doesn`t re-grow, in our experience, there is usually more going on than just an adrenal tumor--but we still give the shot, because it will help with the problems associated with adrenal disease (i.e. the insane itching, swollen vulvas in females, some of the aggressive behavior, etc.) We have never had a boy on lupron who suffered a urinary blockage. Lupron won`t help lymphoma etc--but it will help give comfort & relief from the adrenal problems. Our policy here, is to give the shot even if it looks like one may die soon---because it deserves comfort---and it might NOT die soon!!!Many have fooled us & outlived that 4 month depot!(Some got two or three more!!) In the meantime, they felt much, much better.
In our experience, ferrets lived a max of three more years following surgery--and most did experience problems in the other gland in 6-18 months` time.
Love, Zoo
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