Ferret Speys

Re: Ferret Speys

Niall Taylor — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 21:37:57 GMT

[quote user="Marie Kubiak"] 1) Surgical spay - does introduce the risk of adrenal disease, but is cost effective and a permanent and reliable method of preventing pregnancy and the secondary marrow suppression associated with persistent oestrus. I explain the adrenal disease pathophysiology and that it is likely that some degree of hormonal alteration will occur but not all neutered ferrets will necessarily develop clinical disease (especially in outdoor ferrets where they are exposed to seasonal alteration in light).[/quote]

Good to hear a balanced opinion from an exotics-type - thanks Marie. Too many folks these days can't get beyond the thought that "spaying is eeevul!" Very dogmatic - I believe there was an article in Vet Times a couple of months back advising against the spaying of ferrets.

Niall

Re: Ferret Speys

Charlotte Marshall — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 16:57:35 GMT

Thanks Marie a very useful answer. I thought spey was likely to be the best option but will it talk it through with her. I had left it that she would make an appointment towards the end of february to discuss the options as I knew I didn't need to do anything yet.

Re: Ferret Speys

Thomas Johnson — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 18:31:39 GMT

[quote user="Marie Kubiak"]

If implanted before the adrenal disease is very advanced (i.e. not when left to become a debilitated, completely alopecic ferret in poor general state) then control is highly likely (100% in those I've treated so far) as the hormone production that leads to clinical signs are blocked. If the ferret has secondary issues (urinary obstruction/advanced weight loss etc), or the hyperplastic tissue has transformed and become truly neoplastic then effects are limited . The important thing to be aware of is that deslorelin isn't a cure - it stops the dysfunctional endocrine process and while present prevents clinical disease but when the implant wears off the exogenous hormone production will start up again.

[/quote]

Thank you again, very helpful.

Re: Ferret Speys

Marie Kubiak — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 18:26:08 GMT

Marie

Re: Ferret Speys

Thomas Johnson — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 18:10:32 GMT

[quote user="Marie Kubiak"]

I usually find that the multi-ferret pet household or rescue centre will opt for surgical neutering and will only treat adrenal disease with deslorelin implant if clinical signs develop, the individual/low no. owner will opt for implants and working ferret owners use a vasectomised hob.

[/quote]

A very comprehensive answer. One question though, how successful is the deslorin implant for treating adrenal disease?

Re: Ferret Speys

Marie Kubiak — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 16:47:06 GMT

Spaying is one of the options. I usually set aside a 20min consult to talk through all the possibilities:

1) Surgical spay - does introduce the risk of adrenal disease, but is cost effective and a permanent and reliable method of preventing pregnancy and the secondary marrow suppression associated with persistent oestrus. I explain the adrenal disease pathophysiology and that it is likely that some degree of hormonal alteration will occur but not all neutered ferrets will necessarily develop clinical disease (especially in outdoor ferrets where they are exposed to seasonal alteration in light).

2) Deslorelin implant - appears safe and effective but not permanent and works out expensive with replacement every 12-18m.

3) Both spay and deslorelin - suggested concurrent preventative treatment for negative adrenal aspect of spay, used off licence. Medically makes good sense but very expensive combination for many owners and implant needs replacing.

4) Using vasectomised hob to bring entire females out of season - natural, avoids adrenal issues and any surgery but requires hob, can lead to bite injuries to female and false pregnancies.

5) Repeated use of delvosteron when oestrus is seen - not ideal as requires O vigilance, repeated consults increasing costs and there is the potential for pyometra and other negative effects of repeated progestagen administration. Plus ferrets don't appreciate regular stingy injection.

Marie

Re: Ferret Speys

Hannah Wynne Richards — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 16:31:11 GMT

Don't op tillspring anyway-as if you do them out of season there's a greater risk of leaving ovarian tissue behind.

Wynne