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Post by momof3fuzzies on Jan 7, 2009 22:57:27 GMT -5
I was reading Dar's thread about her sweet little fuzzie and adrenal treatment. I wish that I could have posted sooner. My Mittens was diagnosised with Adrenal over a year ago. I was nervous about surgery so we went the melatonin implant route. My vet had not heard of it, but I pushed the issue. I took pictures to document the treatment. [img src="[/im ![]() i554.photobucket.com/albums/jj413/scabfer/My%20Furbabies/November2007016.jpg"]g]   The last picture was taken in April 2008, you can see that he gained all of his hair back. Still today he has most of his hair, but his belly is swollen and I took him in for an x-ray and sure enough the left adrenal gland is severely enlarged, so....I have scheduled him for surgery next wednesday. I pray he does well! |
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Post by momof3fuzzies on Jan 7, 2009 22:59:02 GMT -5
Ops! I forgot the first picture.  |
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Post by huronna on Jan 7, 2009 23:35:28 GMT -5
We will keep Mittens in our prayers, please keep us posted
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Post by greta on Jan 8, 2009 2:55:31 GMT -5
Keeping Mittens in my orayers qnd healing thoughts, Hugs, Greta
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Post by greta on Jan 8, 2009 2:56:10 GMT -5
Keeping Mittens in my orayers qnd healing thoughts, Hugs, Greta
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Post by Dar24 on Jan 8, 2009 6:22:38 GMT -5
My prayers for Mittens that his surgery goes well and that he has a speedy recovery..
Question for you,, did you only get one implant? If not how many did you do? Secondly, I have read that the implants don't disolve,,is that true? I wonder what they do when they have to replace the implants?? Just keep putting a new one in and leave the old ones.. I guess I will have to ask my vet about that..
Going to take Kahlua in today for a check up.. I will find out if my vet was able to get the implant..
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Post by wildbunch on Jan 8, 2009 12:42:25 GMT -5
Our prayers and thoughts will be with you and mittens.
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Post by linkie2001 on Jan 8, 2009 18:29:59 GMT -5
More prayers coming for Mittens, I hope things will go well * fingers & paws crossed *
You'll be in our thoughts and prayers next Wednesday
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Post by wanderinweasels on Jan 9, 2009 9:04:29 GMT -5
Lots of prayers headed for Mittens. Please keep us updated.
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Post by momof3fuzzies on Jan 13, 2009 21:56:11 GMT -5
WOW, sorry I have taken so long to reply. I started a new (very intense) class on environmental issues. Anyway, Thank you all for your prayers and concerns for Mittens.
He goes in for adrenal surgery in the morning. I will keep you posted.
Dar, you were asking about the melatonin implant. He only had one implant and you are right the pod that is impanted does not dissolve. I think I read that it is only recommended to have no more than 10 done. As you can see from the pictures the injection site isn't pretty. The needle is much larger than a regular size needle. The implant pod is about the size of a rice grain, therefore the needle needs to be large enough to hold a grain. My vet. did put a topical numbing cream on the skin at the injection site. I hope this information helps.
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Post by Dar24 on Jan 14, 2009 6:54:31 GMT -5
Thanx for that info momof3fuzzies..My vet wasn't able to get the implants..So I haven't seen what the implants look like.. I have done tonnes of research on the net,,but your picture of mittens is the first time I have seen a picture of it a ferret with an implant...Very educational..
Thanx for posting it.. I really hope his surgery goes well to day..
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Post by mysticalmanana on Jan 14, 2009 14:49:50 GMT -5
I read this today elsewhere and thought it might be good information for us to know.
“In Dr Johnson-Delaney's paper she wrote,
"The melatonin implant appeared to be similarly effective as monthly
administration of Lupron." The melatonin ferret actually had slightly lower
hormone levels than the Lupron ferret. In the recently completed
melatonin implant study at Colorado State University, there was a
decrease in all 9 ferrets hormone levels, clinical resolution in all 9
ferrets, and the owners gave a very high quality of life score. Plus there
were no changes in the blood glucose level, and none of the 9 ferrets
became resistant to the melatonin implants. The oral melatonin study
also proved that melatonin can shrink an enlarged prostate. As you can
see that is much more than just a cosmetic effect.
Melatonin also lowers prolactin levels which may help prevent the
adrenal gland from becoming bigger. There are melatonin receptors
on adrenal glands that may also help prevent an adrenal gland from
becoming large. Melatonin also stimulates the bone marrow to make
red blood cells which should treat or prevent the anemia that is common
with adrenal gland disease. Thus it helps with all 3 serious complications
of adrenal gland disease (prostatic enlargement, estrogen induced anemia,
and adrenal gland enlargement).
In addition melatonin is a powerful antioxidant, free radical scavenger,
and an appetite stimulant. Again a lot more than just cosmetic effects!
With that said, Lupron is a very good medication too. Thus I would
recommend using BOTH melatonin and Lupron to get the best results
and to decrease the odds of the adrenal gland enlarging
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Post by momof3fuzzies on Jan 14, 2009 16:18:43 GMT -5
That is great information! I can attest to the results, especially about the appetite stimulant. I don't know about the prevention of enlarging the adrenal gland. Mittens tumor was the size of a gum ball. Overall, I would most defiantly recommend the melatonin implant.
Christina
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