From:
"Bonnie"
Date: 2011-02-28 21:44:23 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Iatrogenic Cushing's
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
I am trying to wrap my brain around this one, and hope our more experienced owners and vets can explain physiologically how this works.
I am hearing of more vets diagnosing insulinomic ferrets on long term steroids with iatrogenic Cushing's, in fact, one of my own insulinomic ferrets received this Dx. His prednisolone dose has not changed in 3 years and is considered low.
Is this a generally accurate Dx? If so, what would be the appropriate treatment?
I understand that steroids affect cortisol levels, which in turn affects blood glucose. That part I have down. How exactly does the elevated cortisol cause adrenal (Cushing's) symptoms in ferrets? What role does the steroid induced cortisol increase play with estradiol, androstenedione and 17-hydroxyprogesterone? Could it be more likely that the ferret has just developed a proliferative lesion in the adrenal gland?
Help! I'm sure I'm probably way over-thinking this.
Bonnie Tormohlen (vet tech student who has a fried brain right now)
Northern Arizona Ferret Alliance & Rescue/Director
California Domestic Ferret Educational Alliance/Director
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