Diseases of the Reproductive System

Chapter 22 Diseases of the Reproductive System

THE FERRET

Estrogen Toxicosis

Estrogen toxicosis is perhaps the most well-known disease affecting the reproductive tract in ferrets. Because ferrets experience induced ovulation, estrous ferrets may maintain increased estrogen levels for long periods if not bred. Today this disease has almost been eliminated due to ovariohysterectomies performed before the female ferret reaches maturity.

CLINICAL SIGNS

• Anorexia
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Pale mucous membranes
• Swollen vulva with a discharge (Fig. 22-1)
• +/− Petechial hemorrhages
• Dorsally symmetric alopecia
image

Figure 22-1 Enlarged vulva in a ferret with estrogen toxicosis.

(From Quesenberry KE, Carpenter JW: Ferrets, rabbits, and rodents, ed 2, St Louis, 2004, Saunders, by permission.)

DIAGNOSIS

• Clinical signs and history of unspayed female ferret
• Complete blood cell count (CBC): nonregenerative anemia, nucleated red blood cells, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia
• Bone marrow aspirate: confirm blood results

TREATMENT

• Breed or mechanically stimulate female to ovulate.
• Ovariohysterectomy is the treatment of choice; these animals are poor surgical candidates because of thrombocytopenia. May need transfusion before surgery.

Medical management

• Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone therapy
• Epogen
• Anabolic steroids

Prognosis based on original packed cell volume

• Packed cell volume (PCV) >25: good
• PCV 15% to 25%: fair
• PCV <15%: poor

INFORMATION FOR CLIENTS

• Do not purchase an unspayed female ferret for a pet. If breeding ferrets, do not let a jill stay in estrous for longer than 2 to 4 weeks.

TECH ALERT

Advise owners of all young ferrets to have them spayed if they are intact. Most ferrets are spayed before entering the pet trade. Ferrets will remain in heat until bred because they are induced ovulators.

Tumors of the Reproductive Tract

Tumors of the female reproductive tract are common in unspayed female ferrets. Leiomyomas are the most common ovarian tumor recognized. In male ferrets, Sertoli cell tumors, seminomas, and interstitial cell tumors have been reported.

CLINICAL SIGNS

• Lethargy
• Depression
• Anorexia
• Persistent estrus (female)
• Dorsal alopecia (in male ferrets due to hyperestrogen levels from Sertoli cell tumors)

DIAGNOSIS

• Clinical signs and history
• Ultrasound

TREATMENT

• Surgical removal; spay/castrate

INFORMATION FOR CLIENTS

• Spay or castrate all pet ferrets not used for breeding.

Prostatic Disease

Prostatic disease does occur in ferrets but usually in association with adrenal disease. It can result in urinary obstruction, which can lead to serious electrolyte disturbances.

CLINICAL SIGNS

• Dysuria
• Signs of adrenal disfunction

DIAGNOSIS

• Radiography will show distended bladder, enlarged prostate
• Ultrasound may differentiate cysts/abscesses from prostatomegaly
• Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspirate

TREATMENT

• Resolve urinary obstruction: catheter placement
• Remove affected adrenal gland if present
• Diazepam for smooth muscle relaxation
• Leuprolide (Lupron) to shrink prostatic tissue

Surgical

• Remove diseased adrenal gland and drain prostatic abscesses or cysts.

INFORMATION FOR CLIENTS

• Failure to pass urine can lead to serious electrolyte disturbances. Contact your veterinary clinic if you notice lack of urine production or excessive straining to urinate in your male ferret.
• The adrenal disease must be treated together with the prostatic disease (see Chapter 16).

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Aug 31, 2016 | Posted by in GENERAL | Comments Off on Diseases of the Reproductive System

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