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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
[Posted in FML issue 5045]