DOI
https://doi.org/10.18849/ve.v6i4.459Abstract
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.
References
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Chen, S. (2010). Advanced Diagnostic Approaches and Current Medical Management of Insulinomas and Adrenocortical Disease in Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo). Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice. 13(3), pp.439–452. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvex.2010.05.002
Lennox, A. & Wagner, R. (2012). Comparison of 4.7-mg Deslorelin Implants and Surgery for the Treatment of Adrenocortical Disease in Ferrets. Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine. 21(4), pp.332–335. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jepm.2012.09.001
Schoemaker, N. (2017). Ferret Oncology: Diseases, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice. 20(1), 183–208. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvex.2016.07.004
Shoemaker, N. & van Zeeland, Y. R. A. (2021). Endocrine Disorders Of Ferrets. [online] MSD Veterinary Manual. Available at: https://www.msdvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/ferrets/endocrine-disorders-of-ferrets [Accessed 19 October 2021].
Swiderski, J., Seim III, H., MacPhail, C., Campbell, T., Johnston, M. & Monnet, E. (2008). Long-term outcome of domestic ferrets treated surgically for hyperadrenocorticism: 130 cases (1995–2004). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 232(9), 1338–1343. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2460/javma.232.9.1338
Wagner, R., Finkler, M., Fecteau, K. & Trigg, T. (2009). The Treatment of Adrenal Cortical Disease in Ferrets with 4.7-mg Deslorelin Acetate Implants. Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine. 18(2), 146–152. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jepm.2008.11.003
Wagner, R., Piche, C., Jochle, W. & Oliver, J. (2005). Clinical and endocrine responses to treatment with deslorelin acetate implants in ferrets with adrenocortical disease. American Journal of Veterinary Research. 66(5), 910–914. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.2005.66.910
Weiss, C. A., Williams, B. H., Scott, J. B. & Scott, M. V. (1999). Surgical treatment and long-term outcome of ferrets with bilateral adrenal tumors or adrenal hyperplasia: 56 cases (1994–1997). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 215(6), 820–823.
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