My vet and I have been investigating the use of Lupron to treat my almost 7
year old Belle for adrenal symptoms.  Dr. Turner has spoken to Dr. Charlie
Weiss, Dr. Anna Edling (who gave a seminar on Lupron at the Pittsburg
ferret show last month), and others.  He is very encouraged by what he
has heard from them.
 
Two good points for getting his clinic to agree to invest in this very
expensive drug: (1) They are an international canine semen bank so liquid
nitrogen storage is not a problem.  (2) The Ferrets magazine article
mentioned that Lupron has been used to treat excessive egg laying in
cockatiels.  Dr Turner says this is a very common problem (they are also
avian specialists) and they are not happy with current treatments available
to them.
 
By the way, Lupron Depot, a trade name for leuprolide acetate, is available
in a number of different formulations.  A lower dosage it is used for
treating endometriosis, a higher one for prostate cancer.  It is available
in time release formulations for monthly injections, every 3 or every 4
months.  This explains why many people have reported a cost of $400-500,
while Dr. Kemmerer reported on the FML a couple weeks ago that it cost
$2200.  (That one had me confused for a while!)  Anyway, for those wanting
more details on the drug itself, including the complete chemical formula,
check out http://www.lupron.com/
 
Linda Iroff
Oberlin, OH
 
Help support the Raisin Retreat Ferret Shelter by visiting
http://www.iGive.com/html/ssi.cfm?cid=3585&mid=30146
[Posted in FML issue 2655]