Deslorelin implants: Another option for medical management of adrenal disease in ferrets

Adrenal disease in ferrets is one of the most common diseases of pet ferrets. In an effort to offer more options for treatment, the Center now carries deslorelin 4.7mg implants (Suprelorin) to help diminish some of the symptoms of adrenal disease. Deslorelin antagonizes the release of sex hormones from the brain which removes the trigger for sex hormone production in the adrenal glands. Due to its sustained slow release action, this implant is effective in ferrets for a period of 6-8 months. The implant is placed subcutaneously under the skin between the shoulder blades by your veterinarian under sedation. There are no known side effects of deslorelin implants but owners are cautioned to watch their pets carefully for 48 hours after implantation.

Those of you who are familiar with adrenal disease may have heard of Lupron (leuprolide acetate) which works in a similar way to Deslorelin. The advantage of deslorelin implants over Lupron would be its duration of action which is much longer than the monthly injections of Lupron. It does however cost more than a single dose of Lupron. A complete physical exam and a panel of blood tests are required before the implant is placed to ensure the maximum safety of patients. During the doctor consultation, all options for treatment of adrenal disease will be discussed and the treatment selected to best suit the clients' and pets' needs. Owners are also reminded that the implant does not cure adrenal disease or cause the gland size to shrink. At this time, surgical removal of the adrenal tumor still remains the only curative treatment for adrenal disease.