From:
Bruce Williams, DVM
Date: 2001-10-01 12:55:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Horny Ferret?
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., Carrie A Carlson <kaysi@j...> wrote:
> While reading through some ferret FAQ's I heard that one sign of
adrenal
> disease is a ferret who is "overly-agressive and tries to mate
despite
> his lack of testicles". I observed my ferret on several occasions
trying
> to "make ferrets" with one of his toys. He is definitely
displaying a
> mating intent. He grabs the ferrets toy by the neck, wraps his
little
> arms tightly around it, and hangs on, sometimes until it appears
that he
> is sleeping. If I grab the ferret toy and wake him up he dooks
like he's
> having quite the good time. He does not harass the other ferret in
any
> way, and does not appear aggressive. I had assumed that he is just
going
> through puberty or something since he is only 9 months old...
Please let
> me know what to do. How could my baby have adrenal so young??
>
Dear Carrie:
9 months is very young for adrenal - although we can't totally rule
it out, I am hesitant to recommend aggressive pursuit of an adrenal
diagnosis. Another remote possibility would be a retained testicle.
However, with a young non-dominant male ferret, I think you really
have to consider simple domination behavior. Mounting behavior in
neutered animals is generally domination, rather than sexual
gratification. This is a ferret who is unconsciously honing his
skills - he may never use them, but he's practicing nonetheless.
In this case, I think a wait-and-see approach will be appropriate for
a while.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM