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Hyperadrenocorticisme bij de fret: een overzicht van de huidige kennis aan de hand van twee klinische cases

Journal Contribution - Journal Article

Subtitle:Hyperadrenocorticism in the ferret : an overview of the current knowledge based on two clinical cases
Hyperadrenocorticism is a frequently occurring disease in middle-aged ferrets. It is caused by a neoplasm of the adrenal cortex. Otherwise than in dogs and cats, hyperadrenocorticism in the ferret is always independent of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The tumor of the adrenal cortex can be removed surgically, mostly with satisfying results. After surgery, a regression of symptoms occurs after two to eight weeks, and the animals are without symptoms after five to eight months. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in using a chemical therapy aimed at decreasing hormone production through the administration of GnRH agonists. These agonists initially cause a temporary increase of the sex steroids, and then a long-term decrease of them through desensitization of the GnRH receptors. A deslorelin implant seems to be a promising alternative for the surgical treatment of hyperadrenocorticism in ferrets. Some authors even recommend it as a standard preventive treatment after neutering in both genders and for every ferret over four years of age. Moreover, it is an excellent alternative for surgical castration.
Journal: VLAAMS DIERGENEESKUNDIG TIJDSCHRIFT
ISSN: 0303-9021
Issue: 2
Volume: 80
Pages: 137 - 146
Publication year:2011
BOF-keylabel:yes
IOF-keylabel:yes
CSS-citation score:1
Authors:National
Authors from:Higher Education
Accessibility:Open