Ferret castration: types and how it is done, how much does sterilization cost

Domestic ferrets have a peaceful disposition. This character was obtained through many years of selection. However, given the fact that the pet came from wild animals, ferrets become aggressive during the mating season. This is because in nature, males need to fight for the female. Therefore, when keeping at home, it is recommended to castrate ferrets.

Why ferrets are castrated

It is recommended to castrate all pets, except when pets are kept for breeding. After this procedure, ferrets become calmer. However, castration is carried out not only for this purpose.

The procedure is shown in the following cases:

1. After the onset of puberty, females undergo hormonal changes in the body. This process in some cases causes anemia, weight loss and baldness. During estrus, females weaken their immune defenses, which can lead to the death of the animal.
2. Males during the rut, which lasts from 6 to 12 months, become restless. At this time, adult animals may run away from home to search for a female. Moreover, at least four matings are required annually for males to calm down. And each time the process must take place with different females. If this need is not met, adult pets may experience problems with the adrenal glands and prostate.
3. During the rut, males begin to actively mark the territory and show aggression, both to other animals and to the owner. If more than two males live in the house, fights are possible, which often lead to the death of the pet.

Weasel ferrets are recommended to be castrated before the end of puberty and before the start of the first rut. This procedure is carried out when the animals reach 5 or 6 months of age.

Early castration is not recommended as there is an increased risk of complications. Moreover, this procedure can be carried out after the first estrus (for females) or the rut (for males).

Preparing the animal

The procedure for preparing a ferret for the procedure does not depend on the sex of the animal and the type of procedure chosen. Before starting the operation, you must do the following:

1. Conduct a comprehensive examination a week before the appointed date. Castration is not performed in case of diagnosing a disease.
2. Stop feeding 8 hours before the procedure and stop drinking 2 hours before.
3. Wash the room where the animal is kept and the cage. This is done in order to exclude the possibility of infection of the pet shortly before the operation.
4. Remove water and food from the cage.

The animal must not be fed or watered during the specified period. Otherwise, complications may occur during the operation, up to death.

When transporting a pet to a veterinary clinic, it is recommended to wrap the ferret in a blanket or towel so that the animal feels in a familiar environment. Upon returning home after surgery, shaking should be avoided. Otherwise, the seams may come apart.

How the procedure works

Castration is performed surgically or chemically. The first option is considered more optimal for ferrets. This is explained by the fact that the risk of complications after surgery is minimal.

This procedure is performed under general anesthesia. But the method is chosen taking into account the sex of the animal. In the male during the procedure, the seminal glands are removed. Due to the fact that the organs are located outside, the operation takes no more than 20 minutes.

The female's uterus and ovaries are removed at the same time. In this case, abdominal surgery is required, during which the abdomen is cut. The procedure takes up to half an hour. If necessary, during castration, the glands located near the anus are removed. After that, the animal ceases to secrete a secret, due to which the animal acquires a characteristic smell.

Chemical castration is carried out with the help of special preparations. In this case apply:

1. Hormonal drugs.These funds are used in the castration of females. This method gives a temporary effect. After the introduction of hormonal drugs, the duration of estrus is reduced. But after 1-2 months, the process resumes, which will require repeated hormone therapy. This method is dangerous because after taking such drugs, the risk of developing tumors increases.
2. Steroids. With the help of these drugs, males and females are castrated. Steroids are considered more effective than hormonal drugs. However, this method is used in the absence of diseases in animals. In addition, complications often occur after taking steroids.
3. Implants. This method involves the implantation of special structures (implants) that prevent the risk of pregnancy. This method is considered the most effective, as it does not cause complications. However, implants need to be replaced every 2 years. And these designs are expensive.

Chemical castration is prohibited when:

• liver disease;
• pathologies of the genitourinary system;
• tumors of different nature;
• chronic diseases.

After chemical castration, males continue to mark their territory. And animal fur emits a characteristic smell.

Post-operative period

After the operation, the functioning of the musculoskeletal system is disrupted in ferrets. This complication is typical for general anesthesia. Usually the condition of the animal returns to normal within a day after the procedure.

After the pet wakes up, the animal can be given water. However, you can feed the ferret when he has fully recovered from anesthesia. At first, it is recommended to keep the animal in a cage, limiting mobility. The rehabilitation period lasts from 10 to 14 days. All this time the animal must be in a cage without bedding.

Until the suture is completely healed, it is recommended to treat it with hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine or another agent prescribed by a veterinarian. Within 2-3 weeks, the animal should not be bathed.

After the operation, the metabolism of animals slows down. In this regard, breeders need to adjust the daily diet of ferrets. It is recommended to give castrated animals specialized premium food. Cheap mixtures are contraindicated for animals, since such products often contain carcinogens and other toxic substances that can kill a pet.

With proper feeding and care, castration does not affect the level and quality of life of the animal. Ferrets after the procedure become less aggressive, but remain mobile and playful. For this reason, after castration, the weight of the animal does not change.

Possible Complications

After castration, the risk of developing hyperadrenocorticism, or a tumor of the adrenal glands, increases. According to research results, such a neoplasm is detected in 20-80% of males who have undergone such a procedure.

Such a high rate is due to the fact that after castration, the pituitary gland continues to produce luteinizing hormone. The latter in ordinary animals affects the testes and ovaries. But in castrated animals, this hormone irritates the adrenal glands, promotes the appearance of a tumor.

On average, a neoplasm forms 3-4 years after surgery. Hyperadrenocorticism also occurs after chemical castration. The reason for the appearance of the tumor in this case is similar. However, the risks of neoplasms after chemical castration are lower.

Possible complications of this procedure also include:

• wound infection;
• internal bleeding;
• adrenal endocrinopathy (parts of organs remain in the abdominal cavity);
• obesity;
• pathology of the digestive tract;
• mammary hyperplasia.

After chemical castration using hormones or steroids, the number of possible complications increases exponentially.

How much does sterilization cost

The cost of the procedure depends on the type of operation chosen and the sex of the animal. Surgical intervention on males is estimated at 1.6-2.2 thousand rubles. Removal of the ovaries and uterus in a female costs 3.2-4 thousand rubles.

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