>From:    Shelley Abare <[log in to unmask]>
>
>Just out of curiosity, what does Lupron "do" for the ferret?  And what
>happens if you give your ferret Lupron, and it turns out they aren't
>adrenal?
 
A very basic description: Lupron stops the production of two hormones,
LH and FSH by acting upon the pituitary gland.  Lupron does not directly
act upon the adrenal glands.  These two hormones stimulate the adrenal
glands into producing sex hormones, an overabundance of which causes
the adrenal disease symptoms we see.  The constant stimulation of the
adrenals by LH and FSH can result in adrenal hyperplasia and eventually
adrenal neoplasia.
 
LH and FSH are essential for reproduction, but not essential for life.
Reduction of LH and FSH in non-adrenal ferrets will have little effect
except possibly to prevent the development of adrenal disease.  The
latest theory is that giving Lupron prophylactically to non-adrenal
ferrets in the spring may help to prevent the development of adrenal
disease.
 
For the ferrets,
Mike
 
* Michael Janke, [log in to unmask]
* South Florida Ferret Help Line, 305-385-6750
*
* Website:  http://www.miamiferret.org
* Adrenal/Insulinoma web site: http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc
*
* Ferret Health List: http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/ferrethealth
[Posted in FML issue 4571]