Changes

Hyperoestrogenism also occurs in the female ferret if an entire jill remains unbred for an extended period of time.

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'''.

===Jills===

==Clinical signs==

Bilaterally symmetrical alopecia around the ventrum and tail, weight loss, pale mucous membranes, 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.

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

'''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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

==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''

[[Category:To Do - Helen]]

[[Category:To Do - Helen]]