[JM] wrote: >The article also stated that it was JUST ONE DOSE of Lupron depot >(monthly version), and it was not given on a monthly or frequent basis >after that one dose. Plasma hormones levels were measured before and 3 >to 6 weeks after that 1 dose. This study was just to verify that the >adrenal hormones were lowered by Lupron depot. Some of the ferrets had >improvement for up to 8 months after just ONE dose. I agree with Dr >Williams that this product is for those nonsurgical cases, but when given >on a frequent basis it also does a good job of controling the clinical >signs for a long time. The article also states, "It is possible that >repeated injections may suppress clinical signs for prolonged periods..." >which is what I have seen in the past 3+ years of using Lupron on adrenal >ferrets. Agreed. Another interesting fact in this article which does not appear in the abstract is that the author states that adrenal gland tumors in ferrets have LH (luteinizing hormone) receptors in them, which gives an insight as to why leuprolide may work in ferrets - in short, it suppresses pituitary production of LH, which may be a trigger for hyperplasia or tumorigenesis in the adrenal cortex of the ferret. With kindest regards, Bruce Williams, dVM -------- Subject: Re: Adrenal surgery vs Lupron therapy Hi XXXXXX, I'll also agree with Mike and Dr Williams. In a 2.5 year old ferret that is in good health surgery is the best option. A chance to remove the adrenal gland(s) is my first choice. Ultrasound is an expensive test with only a little return. If your vet wants to ultrasound your ferret's heart because of a heart murmur then it is the best thing to do. However if the game plan is to ultrasound the adrenal glands to see which one to remove then it is a waste of your money. When you do the surgery you have to check both adrenal glands! Plus the pancreas, spleen, liver, lymph nodes, etc. In my opinion Lupron depot is best used on ferrets that are old or have other problems that would make surgery and anesthesia too risky. I would simply ask your vet "why Lupron instead of surgery?". If there is a good reason for not doing surgery (heart problem, etc) then go with Lupron; however, if the reason is because your vet does not like to do adrenal surgery then it is time to find another vet. Jerry Murray, DVM [Posted in FML issue 3398]