Difference between revisions of "Hyperoestrogenism - Ferret"

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Hyperoestrogenism also occurs in the female ferret if an entire jill remains unbred for an extended period of time.
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==Introduction==
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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.  
  
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===Jills===
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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'''.
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Bilaterally symmetrical alopecia around the ventrum and tail, weight loss, pale mucous membranes, enlarged vulva and a serous or mucopurulent vaginal discharge.
 
  
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==Clinical Signs==
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'''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.
  
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===Jills===
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==Diagnosis==
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History and clinical signs along with a PCV of less than 20% and depression of all blood lines is highly suggestive.
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History and clinical signs are suggestive.
  
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Haematology:
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:'''Low PCV''' (normal 46-61%)
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:'''Pancytopenia''': [[Regenerative and Non-Regenerative Anaemias|non-regenerative anaemia]], thrombocytopenia, leucopenia
  
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===Jills===
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Differential diagnosis: [[Adrenocortical Disease - Ferret|adrenocortical disease]]
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'''Ovariohysterectomy''' is the fastest way to remove the source of oestrogens, although intitial treatment is dictated by the PCV. A blood transfusion might have to be performed first.
 
  
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In milder cases, '''hormone treatments''' such as proligestone 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.
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==Treatment/Prevention==
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PCV values can be used to guide treatment and are a good prognostic indicator.
  
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The '''prognosis''' depends on the length of time the jill has been in oestrus and the PCV on presentation. If it is above 25% the prognosis is good. If it is below 15% the outlook is poor and intensive treatment along with multiple blood transfusions will be necessary for several months.
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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.
  
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Female ferrets should not remain in heat longer than a month and ovulation should be induced by mating or hormone therapy before this. Ovariohysterectomy at 6-8 months of age is recommended for jills that are not to be bred.
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PCV values '''between 15 and 25%''' hold a guarded prognosis, and supportive care such as [[:Category:Fluid Therapy|fluids and blood products]] need to be put in place before any surgery is attempted. Hormone injections can also be considered.
  
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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.
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'''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.
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{{Learning
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|flashcards = [[Small Mammals Q&A 18]]
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}}
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
Hubrecht, R. (2010) '''The UFAW Handbook on the Care and Management of Laboratory and other Research Animals''', ''John Wiley and Sons''
 
Hubrecht, R. (2010) '''The UFAW Handbook on the Care and Management of Laboratory and other Research Animals''', ''John Wiley and Sons''
  
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Jepson, L. (2009) '''Exotic animal medicine: a quick reference guide''', ''Saunders''
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Lewington, J. (2000) '''Ferret husbandry, medicine and surgery''', ''Elsevier Health Sciences''
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{{review}}
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==Webinars==
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<rss max="10" highlight="none">https://www.thewebinarvet.com/urogenital-and-reproduction/webinars/feed</rss>
  
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[[Category:To Do - Helen]]
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[[Category:Expert Review - Exotics]]
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[[Category:Ferret Diseases]]

Latest revision as of 14:04, 9 January 2023

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.

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

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

History and clinical signs are suggestive.

Haematology:

Low PCV (normal 46-61%)
Pancytopenia: non-regenerative anaemia, thrombocytopenia, leucopenia

Differential diagnosis: adrenocortical disease

Treatment/Prevention

PCV values can be used to guide treatment and are a good prognostic indicator.

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.

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.

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.


Hyperoestrogenism - Ferret Learning Resources
FlashcardsFlashcards logo.png
Flashcards
Test your knowledge using flashcard type questions 		Small Mammals Q&A 18


References

Hubrecht, R. (2010) The UFAW Handbook on the Care and Management of Laboratory and other Research Animals, John Wiley and Sons

Jepson, L. (2009) Exotic animal medicine: a quick reference guide, Saunders

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


This article has been peer reviewed but is awaiting expert review. If you would like to help with this, please see more information about expert reviewing.


Webinars

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