Major Ferret Illnesses part 4
Melatonin Treatment
Melatonin is a naturally
produced hormone in ferrets and it's use can assist
in Adrenal Disease management. As with Lupron
Depot, the end result is a reduction or elimination
of LF and FSH production, which triggers the gonads
and adrenal glands to produce the sex hormones. Lupron
works by desensitizing the pituitary gland, while
Melatonin works by inhibiting the release of GnRH
to the pituitary gland, which is why owners often
will use in combination or just alone. Lighting is
a main factor for setting the hormone production
into motion, as well as the highly sensitive pineal
gland.
With increased
light exposure, the natural production of melatonin
from the pineal gland decreases. This decrease
adds to GnRH production from the hypothalamus to
the pituitary gland which releases LH and FSH which
causes the gonads and adrenal glands to produce
the sex steroids. By increasing the ferrets melatonin
level, it can inhibit GnRH to the pituitary gland,
which reduces LH and FSH production and decreases
the sex hormones being produced. Melatonin should
be given 1 mg 8-9 hours after sunrise. As the time
to administer the Melatonin may not be feasible
(often not home from work yet), you can talk to
your veterinarian about using the FDA approved
mink Melatonin implant or the ferret Melatonin
implant, which lasts 3-4 months.
It is possible that Melatonin alone or with Lupron can stop the progression of adrenal disease, but also keep in mind it is equally possible to have no effect. It is however, certainly a viable option given the low cost, minimal side effects (ie; sleepiness first 5 days), and no drug-to-drug complication.
Lysodren
Treatment
Lysodren is another drug that is used to be used
prior to Lupron. It's success rate is very low,
and it can produce other health problems in your
ferret, namely insulinoma and can tear up the liver.
Regular monitoring of blood glucose is needed while
on this treatment, as Lysodren can cause low blood
glucose and lead into other health problems. Lysodren
therapy should be stopped immediately if any side
effects develop such as, low blood sugar, anorexia,
vomiting and lethargy. In addition, if no improvement
is seen by week 12, the drug should also be stopped
as it is deemed ineffective. No ferret should be
ever be placed on this treatment if it already
has insulinoma! This treatment is hardly used anymore
and is not recommended,
unless all other efforts have failed.
Other Treatment Options
Ovaban
or Megesterol Acetate
Generally used as a rescue treatment. It counteracts
the estrogen and works even if the gland is malignant.
Long term side effects include obesity, fatty liver,
diabetes (acquired). Older non-surgical ferrets can
go 2-3 years with good quality of life.
Propecia/ Proscar (Finasteride)
Used to treat an enlarged prostate due to Adrenal
disease. Is an enzyme inhibitor which stops the
formation of DHT, a main hormone causing the enlargement.
Usual dosage is 1 mg day for 30 days, then taper
down.
Casodex (Bicalutamide)
Used to treat an enlarged prostate. Blocks androgen
(DHT) receptors on the prostate, reducing testosterone
levels. Usual dosage is 5 mg daily.
Continued on the Major Ferret Illnesses Part 5
