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.  

==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.

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

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

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

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

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

==Treatment/Prevention==

==Treatment/Prevention==

'''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.

==References==

==References==

{{review}}

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[[Category:Expert Review - Exotics]]

[[Category:Expert Review - Exotics]]