From:
williamsdvm@comcast.net
Date: 2002-11-20 00:54:07 UTC
Subject: RE: Young jill in season, or something else?
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <28006117.1037753647069.JavaMail.root@scandium>
Author wrote:
> Hi All,
> Firstly, I want to give a little background to this siruation, so you will see why i'm confused about these signs.
> I live in England UK - the days are short, cold, dull and often wet. Also we are nowhere near the start of the breeding season.> She has had the musky smell for several weeks now, but this last week, has gotten stronger.
> I looked at her vulva earlier today and it is getting larger. I also noticed a small amount of clear discharge. She has all the signs of *coming into season*
Dear Carol -
In this case, as we are dealing with an intact ferret, m first suggestion is the unexplainable - she has indeed come into season. Hormones are not an exact science, and some things happen that we can't explain.
Vaginitis or a bad urinary tract infection can also cause vulvar swelling, but usually not the musky odor you mention. Adrenal disease is not even uncommon in animals of 5 months, so that is way way down on the list.
If it is your practice to spay these animals, I'd suggest doing it ASAP. There may even be an estrogen secreting lesion on one of the ovaries that is playing havoc here.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM