From:
Debsferretrescue@aol.com
Date: 2003-02-16 02:14:45 UTC
Subject: Is my ferret in heat?
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <ae.390df854.2b804e15@aol.com>
I recently got a rescue female in that I have little to no history on and
does not have the Marshall Farms tattoos. She has been to the vet for a
routine check up and vaccines, but is such a bad biter that we have not
stressed her with a more thorough exam as of yet. She has had no symptoms to
worry of anything. We got her the very end of December and was told she was
3-4 years old. She had lived in an outside cage for the past year, with only
straw for bedding (I live in Michigan). The only human contact was once daily
to be fed. I have no clue to what kind of diet she was fed, but her teeth
were very yellow and some were missing. Still trying to get a better look,
but none look infected. I have gotten them whiter and she has gained almost
3/4 of a pound. Now for the problem... Yesterday she developed a VERY strong
pungent urine smell. Her vulva is swollen and is not bleeding but is draining
some small amount of discharge. She does not seem to have any other symptoms
related to Adrenal (hair loss, ect.), so I am wondering if maybe she has gone
in to heat? I have never experience a ferret in heat and do not know what to
look for. She has increased her activity in a big way and the male ferrets
are reacting differently toward her even though they are neutered. She was
bathed and by the next day, smelled like urine again. Not the normal smell of
ferret, but urine. And she is not "rolling" in it.
Thanks for any help...(I am taking her to the vet on Monday)
Debbie