In the ferret, adrenal disease – or hyperadrenocorticism – most commonly occurs when a tumor or lesion on the adrenal glands causes an overproduction of the hormones produced by the adrenal glands. Adrenal disease is most common in ferrets over the age of three years, but it can affect ferrets as young as a year old. Adrenal disease is one of the most prevalent ferret diseases, and there is no definitive test for it. Ferret owners need to know as much as possible about it to be able to recognize it and help the ferret after he is diagnosed by the veterinarian.

CAUSES

While we don’t know for sure what exactly causes adrenal disease in ferrets, most theories point to two possible causes:

Spaying and neutering at a young age

Many large ferret breeders spay or neuter ferrets at the age of 5 or 6 weeks, which may cause the ferret’s body to overcompensate for the lack of normal sex hormones. Adrenal disease has occurred in ferrets that are spayed or neutered after they have reached sexual maturity, but it is not nearly as common.

Extended photoperiods

Most ferrets have been forced to adapt to their owner’s lifestyle and are exposed to at least four or five hours of artificial light in the evening in addition to the natural light during the day. This limits the time they spend in darkness, which decreases melatonin production. Too little melatonin results in overstimulation of the adrenal glands. Ferrets should have no less than 12 hours of complete darkness throughout a 24 hour period.

When a ferret develops adrenal disease, it is most likely the combination of a variety of factors. In addition to environmental factors, some ferrets are probably genetically predisposed to developing adrenal gland cancer.

SIGNS

Hair loss or hair thinning – at the base of the tail, on his feet, on his belly, in an obvious pattern, or in a patchy appearance – are classic signs of adrenal disease. There are multiple causes for hair loss in ferrets, but a ferret owner should always suspect adrenal disease and report this to his or her veterinarian, especially if the ferret is 3 years of age or older. However, while hair loss is the classic sign of adrenal disease, not all ferrets will have this sign.

Unlike other diseases, there is not a standard set of signs that a ferret with adrenal disease will always display. The range of signs that your ferret shows will depend on where the tumor is on his adrenal glands. The adrenal glands produce many hormones, so the location of the tumor will affect which hormones are overproduced. The types of hormones that are overproduced determines which signs you will see.

Here are the various signs of adrenal disease:

• Hair loss, either in a symmetrical pattern or patchy with no apparent pattern *

• Thinning hair
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Papery thin or translucent looking skin, sometimes with sores from scratching
• Excessive scratching and itchiness
• Increase in musky body odor
• Excessive grooming of self or other ferrets, including ear sucking
• Sexual aggression and mating behavior in neutered males – with other ferrets, inanimate objects, etc.
• Swollen vulva in spayed females
• Difficulty urinating for males – this is a sign of an enlarged prostate, a condition usually associated with adrenal disease
• Weakness in back legs – usually seen in advanced or extreme cases
• Increased thirst, increased urination
• Weight loss due to a decrease in muscle mass, but with a pot bellied appearance

* It is important to note that you may see partial or complete hair regrowth without treatment. This does not mean that your ferret is fine, it just means that the hormonal imbalances have balanced out again, probably due to a season change. The hormones will become unbalanced again, and hair loss will occur, usually more severe than before.

Always remember that you can see any combination of these signs – there is no set group of signs! Keep an eye on your ferrets as they grow older, watching for any symptoms or odd behavior. Something as seemingly innocuous as your ferret running from litter box to litter box trying to go to the bathroom should result in a trip to the veterinarian.

DIAGNOSING ADRENAL DISEASE

If your veterinarian has a lot of experience with ferrets or if your ferret has the traditional hair loss, he or she may be able to diagnose your ferret through clinical signs (symptoms).

Your veterinarian may decide to use the Adrenal Panel run by the University of Tennessee, often referred to as the “Tennessee Panel,” in cases where adrenal disease is suspected. This is a blood test that evaluates the levels of hormones and steroid production. The test is not always 100% correct, and has been known to result in false positives and false negatives, but it is the only blood test available to test for adrenal disease.

Radiographs (x-rays) and ultrasounds help determine whether or not adrenal disease is present, but can be misleading. Diseased adrenal glands can be normal in size and shape and, therefore, an x-ray or ultrasound may not raise any concerns. However, ultrasounds can be helpful in showing prostate enlargement (a complication of adrenal disease in male ferrets).

When it comes to diagnosis, if your ferret is displaying any of the obvious signs, your veterinarian will probably suggest beginning treatment rather than spending money on expensive tests and other diagnostic measures. Ferrets can suffer from adrenal disease for a long time before actually showing symptoms, so no matter how your veterinarian arrives at the diagnosis, it’s important to commence treatment immediately after the diagnosis has been made.

TREATMENT

Your veterinarian may opt to use any of the following options to treat your ferret’s adrenal disease:

Surgery

This is the most common treatment for adrenal disease, and is the only way to completely remove the tumor. It is also the most recommended treatment by most veterinarians. If your veterinarian seems at all hesitant about the surgery or does not perform surgeries, ask for a recommendation to a more experienced ferret veterinarian.

If your ferret has already had surgery to remove one gland and adrenal tumors develop in the remaining gland, your veterinarian may decide that surgery is not the best choice. Ferrets that have both glands removed may develop Addison’s disease, which is a severe or complete deficiency of the hormones made in the adrenal glands. Your veterinarian will probably want to check your ferret’s cortisol (a hormone produced by the adrenal glands) levels within three days of the surgery.

Though surgery is the only option that could completely rid your ferret of adrenal disease, it is important for you to know that there are risks involved with surgery.

• If the tumor is on the right adrenal gland, your veterinarian may choose not to remove it. The right adrenal gland is directly adjacent to the vena cava, the largest vein in the body, and there could be serious complications.

• If any microscopic piece of affected adrenal tissue remains, the tumor can grow back either on the same side, or the opposite side.
• There is always a chance that the ferret may not make it through the surgery or through the recovery period in the first few days after the procedure is done.

Discuss all of the risks extensively with your veterinarian before making any decisions. Some ferrets are just not good surgical candidates, either due to age, health or both, and with these ferrets your veterinarian will probably want to go the medical treatment route.

Medical

Your veterinarian may suggest medical treatment options in cases where surgery cannot be performed, either due to the health of the ferret or other issues. These options include:

• Lupron Depot Injections

  Lupron Depot may be prescribed at 1 month, 3 month, or 4 month intervals. “Depot” refers to the fact that the entire dosage is released over the given time period. This means that your ferret will need to get this shot at the appropriate time for the rest of his life. Lupron may shrink the tumor, but in most cases, it only affects the symptoms.

  Even if all symptoms cease, Lupron must continue to be administered. Lupron is a synthetic version of GnRH (gonadotropin release hormone), and it works by desensitizing the pituitary gland, which stops the production of the hormones that are overstimulating the adrenal glands. So if the Lupron shots are stopped, the pituitary gland resumes its normal function, and all of the problems start again.

  If your veterinarian recommends doing surgery, but you can’t do it right away for whatever reason, some veterinarians may recommend that the ferret receive Lupron in the meantime. This may prevent the disease from progressing any further and, at the very least, may make your ferret more comfortable by alleviating some of the symptoms.

• Melatonin Implants

  Melatonin is a natural hormone that serves many functions in your ferret’s body, one of which is to inhibit the release of GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone). Less GnRH means that the pituitary gland releases fewer hormones, which means that the adrenal glands are stimulated less.

  Melatonin can be used in oral (liquid or pill) or implant form. While you can use oral melatonin, the success or failure of it depends on the time of day it is given. It needs to be administered exactly 7 – 9 hours after sunrise to mimic the natural release of melatonin. If given at this time every single day, oral melatonin is extremely effective. Unfortunately many ferret owners are not home during this time. A more convenient way to administer melatonin effectively is to use Ferretonin, a melatonin implant. Implants last about 3 – 4 months, and provide a steady level of melatonin over that time period.

  Melatonin implants alone cannot be used to treat adrenal disease, and the best results are seen if Melatonin implants are used in conjunction with Lupron Depot.

• Medications to avoid

  Lysodren (mitotane) was formerly used as a common treatment for adrenal disease, but studies have shown that Lysodren doesn’t stop the stimulation of the adrenal glands and causes low blood sugar. This is a concern, as insulinoma and adrenal disease are often seen together, and ferrets with insulinoma struggle with low blood sugar already. Overdosages or incorrect dosages of Lysodren were also known to cause Addison’s Disease.

  Nizoral (Ketoconazole) is used to treat Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism) in dogs, which is completely different from adrenal disease (also hyperadrenocorticism) in ferrets. Though they are the same disease, the same drugs cannot be used to treat both.

  Vetoryl (Trilostane) is also used in dogs with Cushing’s Disease, and increases the level of a hormone that is already quite high in ferrets with adrenal disease. Giving this to a ferret with adrenal disease would make the problem worse.

  Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) is an anti-estrogen medicine in humans. However, it actually has estrogen-like effects in ferrets, which would have a negative effect on many ferrets with adrenal disease.

PREVENTING ADRENAL DISEASE

Unfortunately, there are no proven ways to prevent adrenal disease. It is currently thought that the early neutering/spaying that is done by large scale breeders directly contributes to adrenal disease, and in most cases, the ferrets that you get will already have had this surgery. If they are intact, it is recommended that you wait until they are at least 6 months of age before getting them spayed or neutered. Adrenal disease is still seen in ferrets who are spayed or neutered after reaching sexual maturity, but it is not as prevalent.

Recent studies have shown that light cycles also contribute to the development of adrenal disease. Melatonin, as mentioned above, regulates the release of GnRH. GnRH affects how much the adrenal glands are stimulated. Melatonin is produced when the ferret is in total darkness. Most of our ferrets live in the same environment we do – natural daylight during the day, and several hours of artificial light in the evenings. This obviously shortens the amount of time the ferret is in darkness, thereby decreasing the production of melatonin. Less melatonin means more GnRH is released, which then overstimulates the adrenal glands leading to adrenal disease. A ferret’s optimal light cycle is about eight hours of light and sixteen hours of total darkness each day. It is thought that this will allow your ferret to produce the most melatonin possible. There are some ferret supplies, such as cage covers and certain types of fabric bedding, available to help you create the necessary photoperiods.

IN SUMMARY

It’s important to add one more thought here – adrenal disease is very treatable in most cases. Not treating adrenal disease is condemning your ferret to die, when this doesn’t have to be the case. If you see signs of adrenal disease in your ferret, please get him checked out as soon as possible. Ferrets can live long and happy lives after they are treated for adrenal disease, and I know we all want that for our fuzzies!

Kristen Onasch
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/adrenal-disease-in-ferrets-causes-signs-treatment-prevention-389534.html

Skin cancer is the fastest growing type of cancer in the United States. 1 out of 3 new cancers is skin related. Excessive sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancers. The skin tumor normally develops in the epidermis making it visible to the naked eye, which can make the disease easier to diagnose. When treatments start at an early stage, there is a high probability of containing the cancer and curing it completely. Over close to 90% of skin cancer patients make it past the 5 year survival mark.

There are 3 types of skin cancers. The most common form of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma. Many different factors can come into play when discussing who is at risk for this form of the disease. Frequent or excessive sun exposure is far and away the biggest reason people develop this skin disease. These cancers develop in the basal layer of the skin and although the cancer does not normally spread to other organs, it can continue to grow locally if not treated properly. The skin pain associated with this form of tumor is initially non-existent what can be a bad thing because it can delay detection.

The second most common form of skin cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. These are not limited to the skin and can occur anywhere from the mouth to the prostate. These carcinomas only make up about a fifth of new cancer cases but are considered much more dangerous because of their ability to spread easily. Squamous cell carcinomas are mostly characterized by a large, red mark that takes the appearance of an open sore over time. They are quite dangerous and should be removed only through surgery or other medically appropriate procedures.

Melanomas are the third and most dangerous form of skin cancer. A large majority of skin cancer related deaths are due to this stage cancer. Most melanomas start off looking like moles. It is essential that if you have a new mole on your body that you get it checked by a doctor. What looks like a simple mole could turn out to be a cancerous growth. The reason its imperative to get any growth checked out is that nearly all skin cancers are 100% curable if found early. Like all other forms of skin cancer, skin type and sun exposure are the biggest factors in determining risk.

Treatment of skin cancers can range from digging out the diseased cells to chemotherapy. Some of the side effects of treatment can range from nausea to hair loss due to chemotherapy. Consult your oncologist with any questions or issues regarding side effects. Alternative medicine options and questions should only be discussed with a certified health care professional.

Use of artificial tanning beds has been shown to be a high risk activity in regards to skin cancers. High concentrated amounts of UV light may give your skin a little color but can cause exponentially more damage in the long run. Is a 1 week tan really worth the risk? People who make their home near the equator need to take extra care since studies show they are more likely to develop skin related issues than peoples living near the poles. Many steps can be taken to avoid skin cancer so do not fret.

A sun screen of at least 30 SPF applied generously every 2 hours will greatly reduce your risk of cancerous growths. Take a few minutes every few weeks so well to give yourself a self examination. Catching something in the early stages can mean the difference between life and death. Hats and long sleeve shirts are your friends during sunny days. It may be uncomfortable to be covered up during hot, sunny days but one needs to think in the future when talking about skin cancers. Just one deep burn can cause you problems down the road.

The sun is a dangerous thing. We need to be aware of the risks associated with excessive exposure in order to protect ourselves. Skin cancer is a common affliction affecting millions of Americans. A few small steps and a little knowledge about the symptoms and treatments can save many lives. Pay attention to any new growth or skin lesion that could be a precancerous signal on the body, do a little more research on the internet about actinic keratosis and contact a health care professional if anything appears. Time is of the essence.

Martha Fitzharris
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-3-forms-of-skin-cancer-and-hints-on-preventing-their-occurrence-123517.html

Videos on the Internet have become incredibly popular over the last few months with web sites like YouTube becoming some of the most popular sites on the Internet.

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Ivan Wong
http://www.articlesbase.com/marketing-articles/cash-in-with-google-adsense-and-youtube-videos-62282.html

As Sidney Poiter said on the Oprah Winfrey show in March 2007, “I was left with the responsibility to effectuate my own survival.” As adults, we’re all accountable for our own survival. Yet as decent human beings, we need to ensure each other’s survival by learning what is not always easily discovered, but necessary to know. This is especially true when one is newly diagnosed with breast cancer.

By raising our awareness, we can literally keep death at bay by spreading knowledge, wisdom and courage. It takes either personal experience, or a special dedication to a vision of a better future for girls and women, in order to make a deep, ongoing commitment to breast cancer awareness.

It is so important to get an early diagnosis. In 2006, the American Cancer Society estimated that there would be 212,920 new cases, and of these, 40,970 women would die. Each year, around 1,600 men will be diagnosed and 400 die.

About 30% of patients are women under 40. Women with a family history or other concerns might need to begin screening tests earlier than the recommended annual exam at age 40. Clinical breast exams need to be done at least every 3 years starting at age 20, and every year after 40.

Breast cancer is unique in that it is a disease where
there is no known prevention, like there often is with other cancers. We must rely on measures that improve the chances of early detection.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer among women in the United States, behind lung cancer. The five-year survival rate is 90%. For breast cancer detected early, having not spread to the lymph nodes, the five-year survival rate is 98%. Awareness could help save tens of thousands of lives each year by helping women get diagnosed earlier through regular screening.

The death rate dropped significantly from 1989 to 2003, a decline mostly due to the increasing role of mammography in detecting early-stage tumors, as well as improvements in therapy.

New diagnostic methods are coming soon. According to Science Daily, in the future, dentists may be able to administer a simple, non-invasive saliva test for at regular dental checkups. Though not yet approved by the FDA, if this method of diagnosis does receive approval, dentists and physicians could collaborate to diagnose breast cancer earlier.

You raise your own awareness when you:

* Talk with doctors, nurses, advocates, and survivors.

* Read books and articles and visit websites.

* Participate in the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month events in October, as well as year-round awareness events such as those sponsored by Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

* Do monthly self-exams. Though not all lumps are detectable by touch, 70% is found through monthly breast self-exams.

* Have regular mammograms starting at age 40.

You or someone you know may be the one woman in eight who will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. Develop your awareness and give yourself and someone else the gift of life!

Riley Hendersen
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/does-breast-cancer-awareness-saves-lives-137035.html

Breast cancer affects one in eight women during their lifetime; incredibly, it is estimated that just over a million people throughout the world – women and men alike – will be diagnosed during this year alone. Just as incredibly, in this same year, nearly 43,000 people will die in the United States. The statistics are sobering; not just for their sheer volume but because it does not have to claim as many victims as it does. In many cases, it can be beaten. But fighting the battle means early detection and comprehensive treatment.

Breast cancer – the most common cancer among women – continues to be diagnosed on a daily basis as more and more people learn to read the signs and symptoms of this disease and seek early medical intervention. During this early intervention, doctors will work with each patient to determine the best possible treatment – as determined by the type and stage of the cancer as well as the overall physical health of the patient.

Technological advancements in treatment continue to bring new and exciting options to the table; but when you are suddenly thrust into the position of having to make a decision about treatment, the choices can seem overwhelming.

One choice is surgery, wherein the cancerous growth is removed from the breast – also know as a lumpectomy. In more severe cases – or as a preventative measure – a partial or total mastectomy, or removal of part, or all, of the breast, may be performed.

But aside from surgery, there are also many other choices including, chemotherapy – a frequent course of intravenous drugs used to stop the growth of the cancer; radiation – using pinpoint radiation therapy to kill cancer cells; and hormonal therapy to stop the growth of cancer cells. In many cases, however, breast cancer treatment utilizes a combination of many different therapies in order to achieve the greatest possibility for success.

In some cases, patients also choose to incorporate holistic therapies into their treatment. Such therapies may include diet, exercise, therapeutic massage, and acupuncture.

Early treatment is the key to ongoing health and survival – increasing a patient’s chance of recovery and five year survival rate by nearly 95%. With such dramatic statistics at hand, it’s no wonder that doctors aggressively promote any and all methods of early detection including self-examination, routine gynecological exams, mammograms, and breast ultrasound.

The most important thing to remember is that new treatments continue to be aggressively researched. And what has resulted are new and less invasive treatment options for patients. If breast cancer has affected you or someone in your life, it is important to stay educated on research findings.

The battle continues to be waged by women on a daily basis. As more and more women are incorporating self-examination and routine gynecological exams into their lives, the access to early breast cancer treatment grows exponentially. And as those who have been affected can attest, early diagnosis and treatment saves lives.

Riley Hendersen
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/waging-a-battle-with-breast-cancer-treatment-121886.html