From:
Bruce Williams, DVM
Date: 2001-05-08 14:15:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Can you tell if the prostate is enlarged?
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., Quarrius@a... wrote:
>
> Are enlarged prostates able to be palpated? Should I take him to
the vet?
> I am extremely worried about a blockage but by looking at him, my
local vet
> woudln't say "yes, he has adrenal". They would just tell me to
watch him and
> I would be in the same situation I am in now.
Dear Meagan - Increased urination is not a sign of prostatic
disease. Difficulty urinating (hopping in and out of the box, or
standing and straining, is.
Unfortunately, the prostate is very difficult to palpate. It sits on
the rim of the pelvis, a bony ridge in the normal animal. In dogs,
the prostate can be felt by digital palpation, but unfortunately,
ferrets are smaller than fingers (trying not to be too graphic
here.) In possible cases, an ultrasound may be helpful, though.
With kindest regards,
Bruce H. Williams, DVM, DACVP
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