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Treatment
Because hyperestrogenism is a life-threatening condition, your ferret will probably require hospitalization, especially if the animal has anemia or is hemorrhaging. Immediate intravenous fluid therapy and antibiotics may be used to stabilize the animal. Typically, your veterinarian will recommend spaying (or neutering) your ferret.
Living and Management
Your veterinarian will recommend regular follow-up examinations to monitor its progress, and will give you instructions as to a proper diet during recovery.
Prevention
If your ferret is intact, she should not be allowed to remain in heat for longer than two weeks without inducing ovulation by breeding or administration of appropriate medication.
ovulation
The process of the maturation and release of eggs
intact
Denotes an animal that is still able to reproduce or is free of cuts and scrapes
urethra
A tube found between the bladder and the outside of the body; used to assist in urination.
urinalysis
An in-depth examination of the properties of urine; used to determine the presence or absence of illness
vulva
The genitalia of a female; found on the outside
in heat
The term for an animal that is ready to mate with a male or in estrus
estrus
The time period in which a female is receptive to male attention
adrenal gland
The gland that produces the hormone adrenaline and others; helps to regulate the metabolism, electrolytes, and even sexual function; also helps to regulate the way the body responds to injury, trauma, etc. The adrenal gland is found near the kidney. Also referred to as the suprarenal gland.
adrenal cortex
The outermost part of the adrenal gland
anemia
A condition of the blood in which normal red blood cell counts or hemoglobin are lacking.
estrogen
The type of female hormone produced in the ovaries that contributes to sex drive and female characteristics
abscess
A localized infection, usually a lesion filled with pus. Can be large or small in size.
hemorrhage
Extreme loss of blood