Lupron injections are not a cure for Adrenal Cancer in ferrets, but an alternative treatment for ferrets that are ineligible for surgery due to age, overall health, or other medical conditions, i.e. weak heart. In addition, if it is a right side adrenal problem, due to the close proximity to the vena cava (main abdominal vein) some Vets will not perform the surgery due to increased complications. If you decide you want to go ahead with a right side surgery please be sure to find a highly experienced surgeon who has had success with right side. I HAVE talked to folks who have had right side surgeries with great success, although, their Vets were extremely experienced with this procedure. If cryosurgery is an option for you, this has been known to be quite successful with right side also. Recently, more and more ferret folks are turning to Lupron for help with Adrenal IF surgery is not an option for their ferret.
Lupron stops stimulation to the adrenal gland and with continued use the decrease in hormones produced can last over five years. Although Lupron will not cure adrenal, it will aid in fur regrowth and with reducing swelling of the vulva that many females experience with adrenal. Adrenal can also cause the prostate in males to become enlarged and this can put pressure on the urinary system of the males, causing definite problems with infections. Lupron is reported to help with this as well.
Addtionally, males, sometimes experience a sexual aggression when adrenal tumors are present. The males will sexually attack another ferret, regardless if it is male or female or spayed/ neutered. The adrenal ferret will grab hold of the scruff of the neck of the other ferret and drag it along, sometimes acting as if he were trying to mate. Lupron has also been reported to help stop this behavior.
Lupron prices seem to vary greatly from state to state and Vet to Vet. Remember, Lupron injections must be continued to maintain good results from the drug. I have seen different dosage recommendations from different Vets. Discuss what is the right plan for your ferret with your ferret knowledgeable Vet.
Below you will find our friend Huronna's experience with using Lupron Injections to treat adrenal disease in her fuzzies. Included are before and after photos and her comments and opinions of this treatment.
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