It is for reasons such as Brenda's posting on her concerns and questions regarding the Des implants and all the helpful responses given that I love the FML - it is invaluable. I was fortunate enough to have three ferrets involved in Doctor Wagner's Des implant study. Luke, who is now 6.5 years old is still in the study and on his second implant. To date there have been nearly 500 ferrets implanted in Doc Wagner's study. It would be nice to hear from some of the folks in the Pennsylvania/Pittsburgh area who have had ferrets in this study. Some for a few years. In my dealings with Doc Wagner, he has been quick to remind me that while the 7 implant experiences I have dealt with with my ferrets have all been positive, the Des implant is not the end all answer to ACD. It is simply another tool in our toolbox for the treatment of ACD. Not all treatments work for all ferrets. While hair regrowth is variable, there does seem to be evidence that ferrets who receive their implants around the seasonal coat change do better with regrowth of fur. But again, fur loss is only one clinical symptom that takes us to the vet for treatment of ACD. Consequently, we need to be watching for changes/improvements in all symptoms that led us to the diagnosis in the first place, not only "are they getting fur?" Ferrets can live healthful and enjoyable lives without fur. I have tried to act as an advocate to shelters, ferret folks and their ferrets informing them of the study and providing them and their vets with information to secure the implants from Peptech, Inc. in Australia. When effective these implants are less costly than Lupron and last for a longer period of time - a financial blessing for shelters and ultimately less stress for the ferrets. From my experience, I have to disagree with Kevin's comment that they are hard to procure. My vet was the first in our state to access the implants to the point he was explaining them to his colleagues at Cornell Vet School and the local area. He had no difficulty ordering or re-ordering them nor was there difficulty with the FDA or with U.S. Customs in San Francisco. Rosie Warren, District Sales Manager for Peptech, Inc. outlines what is required from each vet to cover the legalities involved in sending this drug to America. (Sukie has reported this on a few occasions both here on the FML and the FHL.) My vet keeps on file a form letter that outlines his purpose for the use of this drug, his vet license number, his DEA number how many he wishes to order and his payment information. When he needs more he e-mails his request to Rosie Warren. They have all arrived within 2-3 weeks of ordering. I was required to sign a letter stating that I was aware this drug was a new drug as required by the FDA in other new drug situations. That was in September of 2009 and a requirement from my vet's office only as a precautionary measure in the event a problem developed with the FDA. In addition to Wolfy's synopsis of the week's comments and observations I would encourage those that opt to utilize the Deslorelin implants to consider the following; 1. Run your own mini study. Document the symptoms you see that lead you to the diagnosis of ACD and then record the implant date and follow-up with documented dates and observations of the symptoms' status. It is so easy to get busy and lose track of the facts -- then we end up guesstimating. 2. If choosing to implant with both melatonin and Des do them separately so the ferret can adjust to the effects of the medication from one implant first. A few people I have spoken to have done both implants at the same time and their ferrets have struggled with loss of appetite and lethargy for days. Why increase the ferret's health risk or the need to have the implant removed? Also, you will know which implant was the cause of any reaction and prevent them if together they cause these problems. Do you really want your ferret to be that one ferret that is knocked on his/her mustelid butt for a few days? 3. As with all medications when administered you should watch for any reactions they might have. I found with only one ferret a mild reaction that was similar to the reaction he had to a rabies vaccination a few years earlier - perhaps this made him more prone to a reaction to the implant......a thought. I inquired about this reaction when it occurred and was told it was not a common problem at all in the study. We considered this a ferret specific reaction. 4. Responses on the FHL this week pointed out possible problems in the injection process as a consideration. Again, I inquired about this with experienced vets and was told the two major considerations were loss of the implant from not securing the hole with super glue or whatever the vet equivalent is. Or, loss of the implant because it does not properly eject from the needle and is pulled out with needle on extraction. 5. As with all medications that are man made, it is possible that some batches are not as effective as others. While we are excited about this drug, it is also important that Peptech, Inc. be informed of the problems we encounter so they know we expect a quality product from them. Mass production does not help us help our ferrets if the drug is inferior. Ask your Vets to contact the company with concerns or if you can get the lots numbers do it yourself [log in to unmask] I am most fortunate to have a vet who is is also an excellent ultrasound sonographer and a bit of a brainiac. He has set up appointments for the implants to include an US for the ferret (like in Wagner's study) so there is a baseline look at the adrenal glands and prostate. We know which gland is effected and what the measurements are when we start use of the implant. In my most recent appointment Doc was skeptical that Jack demonstrated enough symptoms to justify the implant. He went to that medical tool box of his, pulled out another handy tool, the US, and fired it up. Results: Left adrenal tumor. I think more because of his desire to have a good understanding of the disease, implants and data he has adjusted his US fees to be affordable for the ferrants. I know not all Doc's can do this or are willing to. Another blessing for the Ryan ferrets. In closing, I extend my thanks to all who shared or will share their experiences with the varied meds for adrenal disease as well as thanks to those vets who are curious enough to work on research to help us be better custodians to our beloved pets and who do not hesitate to deal with the paperwork to access these drugs. The published article by Robert Wagner on ACD and Deslorelin implants is available in the Summer copy (August?) 2009 Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine. Additional information is available in the AFA Post Conference Proceedings 2010 along with the Des vaccine information which you can purchase on the AFA site along with other great ferret information. I bought one for my Doc as he was unable to attend this conference. Thanks BIG, again for all you do with the FML - it is quite a legacy. Respectfully, Cathy Ryan Feed rescued animals in two clicks http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3 Hide not amongst the shadows of grief, But frolick openly in the meadows of memories. sp [Posted in FML 6782]