We were told by our specialists, years ago, that adrenal ferrets can
have up to three seasonal re-growths--but then the disease takes ahold
of them.

We put over 50 ferrets through adrenal surgery, during our first three+
years of operation--and then we discovered the wonders of Lupron. It
was non-invasive, we avoided the risks of surgery/anesthetic, there was
no recovery time. It subdued the insane itching. Little girls didn`t
suffer with vaginal infections. We never had a Lupron boy with a
urinary issue/ blockage. They just plain felt better.

We use the four month depots here, when available. If they`re not, we
order the three month. Most vets use the one monther. (We have those
too, for the babies who aren`t expected to make it very long. It does
bring them comfort.) I have discovered dosage varies from vet to vet,
which might explain different results experienced.

We have dabbled with the deslorelin implants, and I am underwhelmed
with them, sorry to say. Results are still better, and more predictable
with Lupron, in our experience.

Melatonin helps bring fur, and is best used in conjunction with other
treatments--but we found Melatonin alone to be mostly cosmetic. It
didn`t help the anemia & bone degradation that came with the disease.
(I`m not sure what the experts out there would say, but I am sharing
our experiences.)

We didn`t see energy increase, weight gain, or behavior differences
either. (Opinions based on three dozen implants.)

So---You may be seeing fur re-growth, but if the reason for the sparse
coat wasn`t bad nutrition, it would really be a good idea to get some
Lupron into those kids. The sooner, the better. Our kids usually last a
good three years more, if we catch it early. (Of course, when one is
surrendered, we have no way of knowing how long it has been sick. We
just give it our best shot.)

It is nearly impossible to pick the adrenal Lupron ones out of our play
groups--they do that well! In our experience, if they didn`t re-grow
fur with Lupron, there were usually additional issues..

Hope this helps someone out there.

Love,
Zoo

[Posted in FML 7986]