From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2002-01-21 11:19:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] Swollen Prostate Glands
Hi, April, and everyone else,
> The only reason to have a ferret descented would be if they have
> problems with the anal sacs like infections or if they constantly
> excrete their contents which normaly doesn't happen unless they are
> very frightened.
I must disagree. From my experience, ferrets will "poof" (expel the
contents of their anal sacs) any time they get really excited. They
don't have to be frightened. My Kodo (7 y/o male) has, on two occasions
(once with me, once with a friend) given a face washing and poofed at
the same time. He was oh so excited to be able to go outside, which he
loves. Kodo and Podo (also a 7 y/o male) poof when wrestling with each
other sometimes, and they have been together all their lives and are
very bonded to one another. I've smelled Podo poof after *he* pounced
another ferret to start a wrestling match.
Yes, fear will definitely cause a poof, but it seems so does any form of
excitement, at least in my older boys. I raised this issue with my vet,
but he believes that they are simply too old to be descented without
serious risks. He also doesn't see the poofing as in any way out of the
ordinary. So, we live with it.
Kodo and Podo like to be held and cuddled. I always hope I am picking
them up when they are calm. :)
All the best,
Caity and the terrific 10