From:
"Tressie"
Date: 2009-03-27 20:52:59 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Question on behavior of non Spayed/Nuetered ferrets
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Hi,
No it is not true that unspayed (whole) female ferrets, known as 'jills' go crazy if not bred. However, the consequence of prolonged estrus is bone marrow toxicity from the elevated estrogen levels. This will lead to 'aplastic anemia,' which causes fatal hemorrhage. At the very least they also develop secondary infections. Blood transfusions may be required. As the Moderator noted about 50% of ferrets in a breeding colony who endure prolonged estrus will develop aplastic anemia (Fox, 1998).
According to Fox "Female ferrets staying in estrus longer than 1 month are at risk of developing estrogen-induced anemia (p. 247)."
This is also a complication for spayed females who develop adrenal gland tumors. These tumors secrete estrogen much like ovaries in whole females. Amongst many other good reasons that adrenal disease should be treated with either surgery or medically managed with Melatonin, Lupron Depot or Deslorelin (where available).
With respect to the legality of keeping breeding ferrets, I think this depends on the laws of the individual states/provinces. Perhaps someone in Florida will comment on the regulations in your state.
Breeding ferrets is a very complicated business and is best left to the knowledgeable experts - that is, the reputable breeders.
Tressie
--- In ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com, Jade <jadednightdragon@...> wrote:
>
> Is it true that unspayed female ferrets go "crazy" and die if their not
> bred?
>
> I heard that a long time ago and was told that's why it's illegal to own an
> un ultered ferret. Is that really true?
>
> I live in central FL.
>
[Moderator's Note:
Florida laws really are not within our subject matter
so those who want to answer that question will need
to write to the original poster directly.]
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