Changes

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Female ferrets (jills) are '''induced ovulators'''. Ovulation occurs 30-40 hours after copulation. Failure to mate can result in a prolonged oestrus for the duration of the breeding season. The '''high levels of oestrogens''' produced may cause bone marrow suppression with leucopenia, thrombocytopenia and aplastic anaemia.  

Female ferrets (jills) are '''induced ovulators'''. Ovulation occurs 30-40 hours after copulation. Failure to mate can result in a prolonged oestrus for the duration of the breeding season. The '''high levels of oestrogens''' produced may cause bone marrow suppression with leucopenia, [[thrombocytopenia]] and aplastic anaemia.  

All jills develop a mild anaemia at some point during oestrus and up to 50% of jills with prolonged oestrus will develop '''aplastic anaemia'''. If animals remain in oestrus for more than 1 month they are at risk of developing hyperoestrogenism and the reduction in platelet count can lead to '''haemorrhage and death'''.

All jills develop a mild anaemia at some point during oestrus and up to 50% of jills with prolonged oestrus will develop '''aplastic anaemia'''. If animals remain in oestrus for more than 1 month they are at risk of developing hyperoestrogenism and the reduction in platelet count can lead to '''haemorrhage and death'''.

==Clinical signs==

==Clinical Signs==

'''Bilaterally symmetrical alopecia''' around the ventrum and tail, weight loss, '''pale mucous membranes''', tachypnoea, ecchymotic and '''petechial haemorrhages''' enlarged vulva and a serous or mucopurulent vaginal discharge.

'''Bilaterally symmetrical alopecia''' around the ventrum and tail, weight loss, '''pale mucous membranes''', tachypnoea, ecchymotic and '''petechial haemorrhages''' enlarged vulva and a serous or mucopurulent vaginal discharge.

Haematology:  

Haematology:  

 

:'''Low PCV''' (normal 46-61%)

'''Low PCV''' (normal 46-61%)

:'''Pancytopenia''': [[Regenerative and Non-Regenerative Anaemia|non-regenerative anaemia]], thrombocytopenia, leucopenia

 

'''Pancytopenia''': non-regenerative anaemia, thrombocytopenia, leucopenia

==Treatment/Prevention==

==Treatment/Prevention==

Jills with PCV values '''above 25%''' have a good prognosis and '''ovariohysterectomy''' is the fastest way to remove the source of oestrogens. '''Hormone treatments''' such as proligestone, HCG or GnRH injections can be used to induce ovulation. Signs of oestrus will abate within 10-11 days but it might take up to 4 months for the anaemia to resolve.

Jills with PCV values '''above 25%''' have a good prognosis and '''ovariohysterectomy''' is the fastest way to remove the source of oestrogens. '''Hormone treatments''' such as proligestone, HCG or GnRH injections can be used to induce ovulation. Signs of oestrus will abate within 10-11 days but it might take up to 4 months for the anaemia to resolve.

PCV values '''between 15 and 25%''' hold a guarded prognosis, and supportive care such as fluids and blood products need to be put in place before any surgery is attempted. Hormone injections can also be considered.

PCV values '''between 15 and 25%''' hold a guarded prognosis, and supportive care such as [[:Categiry:Fluid Therapy|fluids and blood products]] need to be put in place before any surgery is attempted. Hormone injections can also be considered.

The outlook for jills with a PCV '''below 15%''' is poor and intensive treatment including prophylactic antibiotics and '''multiple blood transfusions''' will be necessary for several months.

The outlook for jills with a PCV '''below 15%''' is poor and intensive treatment including prophylactic antibiotics and :Category:Transfusion Medicine|'''multiple blood transfusions''']] will be necessary for several months.

'''Prevention:''' Ovariohysterectomy at 6-8 months of age is recommended for jills that are not to be bred. Entire female ferrets should not remain in heat longer than a month and ovulation should be induced by mating with a vasectomised male or by the use of hormones such as a proligestone injection before the start of the breeding season.  

'''Prevention:''' Ovariohysterectomy at 6-8 months of age is recommended for jills that are not to be bred. Entire female ferrets should not remain in heat longer than a month and ovulation should be induced by mating with a vasectomised male or by the use of hormones such as a proligestone injection before the start of the breeding season.  

Lewington, J. (2000) '''Ferret husbandry, medicine and surgery''', ''Elsevier Health Sciences''

Lewington, J. (2000) '''Ferret husbandry, medicine and surgery''', ''Elsevier Health Sciences''

 

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