From:
"Tressie"
Date: 2010-05-01 01:21:38 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Epogen use in estrus-related anemia
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Hi Chris,
I don't believe the original poster stated that her ferret received a hormone injection 'as soon as' she went into heat only that she received a hormone injection after she came into season. Perhaps the poster can confirm the time frame after she began estrus did the ferret receive the hormone injection?
In addition, the ferret underwent an ovariohysterectomy when her pcv was only 16.
According to Orcutt (2008) as per earlier citation:
"Ferrets in estrus
for longer than 1 month are at risk of developing estrogen-induced bone marrow suppression...The prognosis for ferrets with estrogen-induced bone marrow suppression is poor. Definitive treatment is ovariohysterectomy, but severe thrombocytopenia and anemia preclude this as an initial option. Ovulation must be induced and supportive care provided until the bone marrow begins to function. This can take weeks, and, in some cases, bone marrow suppression is not reversible (p. 132)."
Notably Orcutt does not state that estrus toxicity develops after many months, but that a ferret is at risk if estrus persists for more than 1 month.
I take it from your post that this is not the rule but the exception. However, until it is confirmed how long exactly this particular ferret was in estrus before she was taken out, both the first time and on the second occasion, one cannot assume this is not a case of estrogen toxicity with resulting non-regenerative anemia due to bone-marrow suppression.
Tressie
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