In ferrets with hyperadrenocorticism, does use of deslorelin acetate implants compared to adrenalectomy result in a superior prognosis?

Abstract

PICO question

In ferrets with hyperadrenocorticism, does use of deslorelin acetate implants compared to adrenalectomy result in a superior prognosis?

Clinical bottom line

Category of research question

Treatment

The number and type of study designs reviewed

One study was reviewed, a retrospective cohort study that directly compared the outcomes of these treatments

Strength of evidence

Weak

Outcomes reported

The study found that in ferrets with hyperadrenocorticism, use of deslorelin acetate implants resulted in a longer average time to recurrence of clinical signs and a lower mortality rate than adrenalectomy. However, the strength of evidence for this study is weak and it has several design limitations

Conclusion

In view of the evidence, both deslorelin acetate implants and adrenalectomy are valid treatments for a ferret with hyperadrenocorticism, but it cannot be concluded based on the current literature that deslorelin acetate implants result in a superior prognosis

How to apply this evidence in practice

The application of evidence into practice should take into account multiple factors, not limited to: individual clinical expertise, patient’s circumstances and owners’ values, country, location or clinic where you work, the individual case in front of you, the availability of therapies and resources.

Knowledge Summaries are a resource to help reinforce or inform decision making. They do not override the responsibility or judgement of the practitioner to do what is best for the animal in their care.