Correlation between age at neutering and age at onset of hyperadrenocorticism in ferrets

Abstract

Age at neutering may be associated with age at development of hyperadrenocorticism in ferrets.

Hyperadrenocorticism in Ferrets

“…33 Second, in the USA and in The Netherlands, where the neutering of ferrets is common practice, hyperadrenocorticism is a common condition. 56,63 In contrast, hyperadrenocorticism is seldom diagnosed in the United Kingdom, where ferrets often remain entire. 41 Third, a significant correlation has been found between the age at neutering and age at onset of hyperadrenocorticism.…”

“…58 Hyperadrenocorticism is a common disease among pet ferrets and is characterized by signs of excessive production of sex steroids (androstenedione, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and/or oestradiol), i.e., symmetrical alopecia, vulvar swelling in neutered jills, and recurrence of sexual behavior in neutered ferrets. 40,57,58,63,71 In recent years, evidence has accumulated that hyperadrenocorticism in ferrets is mediated by an increased secretion of gonadotropic hormones after castration. 40,58,63 First, the initial signs of hyperadrenocorticism occur only during the breeding season, 56 when plasma concentrations of gonadotropic hormones are high.…”

“…40,57,58,63,71 In recent years, evidence has accumulated that hyperadrenocorticism in ferrets is mediated by an increased secretion of gonadotropic hormones after castration. 40,58,63 First, the initial signs of hyperadrenocorticism occur only during the breeding season, 56 when plasma concentrations of gonadotropic hormones are high. 33 Second, in the USA and in The Netherlands, where the neutering of ferrets is common practice, hyperadrenocorticism is a common condition.…”

“…41 Third, a significant correlation has been found between the age at neutering and age at onset of hyperadrenocorticism. 63 Fourth, the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-analogue leuprolide acetate has recently been reported to have beneficial effects in the treatment of this disease. 70 Finally, luteinizing hormone (LH) receptors have been detected in the adrenal cortex of ferrets.…”

The effects of surgical and chemical castration on intermale aggression, sexual behaviour and play behaviour in the male ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

“…In the Netherlands, male ferrets are normally surgically castrated before the age of 1 year (see Schoemaker et al, 2000) to reduce interspecific and intraspecific aggression and to reduce the musky scent they spread. However, it is this castrating that is thought to play an important role in the development of hyperadrenocorticism, a common disease in the domestic ferret.…”