|
Post by Sherry on Feb 7, 2011 2:52:16 GMT -5
Now, that's a good point, Darlene. But that would, I'd think, show up in the first season with them, wouldn't it?
|
|
|
Post by darlene on Feb 7, 2011 3:10:22 GMT -5
I'm really not sure,since I'm not on any of the groups anymore I don't have access to the posts. I do believe the ages were just under the year old mark. I also have a friend who had a female under one year who had an incomplete spay.
|
|
|
Post by shilohismygirl on Feb 7, 2011 10:24:11 GMT -5
Wow-I'll get that checked too. Do you just ask your vet about an incomplete spay? How does the vet tell without opening them up? Can they do a horomone test or something?
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2011 11:16:27 GMT -5
www.ferret-universe.com/care/resources/ferretmanual.pdfRead page 34 - That states that, if it is an incomplete neuter, it would probably show up during the 1st year of life. A blood test would detect hormone levels. I'm not sure what the treatment for this is. I'm assumed Oz has no obvious testicles. This means the issue is tissue within his body, not externally.
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Feb 7, 2011 14:35:05 GMT -5
If he has a cryptorchid(undescended testicle), he'd actually go into rut, like any other intact male. And yes, they test testosterone levels to check that out. The only treatment is surgery, and it's advised to do that, since a cryptorchid can develop into testicular cancer pretty quickly, and moves fast.
|
|
|
Post by Heather on Feb 7, 2011 14:55:25 GMT -5
There is someone on this board (or was on the old board) who has a jill who was given an incomplete spay. The vet went in for an adrenal surgery (I believe) and tried to remove the offending piece that was left behind. I believe that the surgery for the adrenal was a success but they were unable to find the tiny offending bit that was sending the poor thing into a heat every season. The unfortunate thing about this whole episode was the recurring infections that this poor little creature had to endure because of her lengthy seasons. Perhaps with the introduction of the des implants perhaps the poor little thing can find some peace. Undescended testicles can indeed cause major problems. Even a crytorchid must have a spay surgery to remove the undescended testicle or suffer testicular cancer. Such animals should be altered while this surgery is done as this can be passed on to future generations. Having been the unfortunate recipient of a puppy who was crytorchid and discovering later that his grandsire had a habit of throwing at least one boy like this per litter. It would then show up at random with all his grand-children. I ended the whole cycle by altering my boy (the last son) and refusing to allow him to be used for service despite him being the last of a series of grand-champion winners (his sire was a north-american champion). Yes, crytorchids can and do produce offspring if not altered. ciao
|
|
|
Post by shilohismygirl on Feb 7, 2011 15:04:10 GMT -5
Well, would des implant take care of both of those issues? Adrenal and incomplete spay? If so, I could see about getting that because it seems less invasive than a surgery. Oz has no obvious testicles, so I have no idea which it could be, if either. I really don't want to cut him open until they know that really he did have an undescended testicle, so a blood test would be a good thing to get him just to see which it is. I'd love to get his issues taken care of earlier if possible, though I am horrified that sweet little ferrets have issues this early in life. Poor little guys!
|
|
|
Post by Heather on Feb 7, 2011 15:08:48 GMT -5
They wouldn't if the farms didn't insist on cutting them open before they were 5 weeks of age Poor wee mites. It happens a lot less on later alters. I would be doing some major inquiries but yes, the des should cover either and you won't have to worry about it. If it's adrenal the implants are only good for about 9 months (many are finding 6 months is the closer ideal) if it's for the incomplete alter the implants will be good up to 18 months according to the literature that I received with the implants. ciao
|
|
|
Post by shilohismygirl on Feb 7, 2011 15:20:52 GMT -5
Cool! That's good to know, Heather. I am so thankful for you guys helping me stay educated about this stuff. I want to know what my guy is in for, and when my vet says something, I want to know what she's talking about.
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Feb 7, 2011 16:30:04 GMT -5
And if you aren't sure what you're vet is telling you- ask! I certainly do
|
|
|
Post by shilohismygirl on Feb 7, 2011 17:02:32 GMT -5
Yes for sure! In my case, it's ask, research, ask again, talk about it to everyone I know, and then make a decision. lol No wonder I've been labeled as obsessed
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Feb 7, 2011 17:14:44 GMT -5
I'm thinking the des would certainly help with the behaviour if it's an undescended testicle, but not with the possible testicular cancer. Not sure, but I think it's different hormones involved.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2011 19:44:32 GMT -5
Could an ultrasound detect if it's an undescended testicle?
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Feb 7, 2011 21:17:22 GMT -5
I'd imagine it would. The blood test for testosterone would likely be less expensive, though.
|
|
|
Post by shilohismygirl on Feb 8, 2011 9:36:57 GMT -5
I definitely think that Oz is the one who has been using the litter box outside of his box in the cage. That's really weird for them. I know that ferrets are finky with their boxes, sometimes, but usually, they're not inside the cage. Plus, Oz and Hiro have always been the reliable box users even outside the cage.
|
|