Plus-Hex CLINICAL
Vasectomised hob
Another option available to owners of female ferrets is to ‘ sham ’ mate the jill with a vasectomised hob ( hoblet ). It is essential to find a reputable rescue centre or experienced hoblet owner who may loan out a vasectomised male . The risk of disease transmission can be minimised by making sure both ferrets are in good health and ideally quarantining both of them pre and post the sham matings . They should be examined for parasites and checked for any signs of diarrhoea that may indicate a transmissible epizootic catarrhal enteritis infection .
the spermatic duct for laboratory analysis or keep it in formalin in case of reversed surgery as confirmation that the correct vessel has been removed . The optimum time for vasectomy is the beginning of the breeding season , as this is when testicular size increases and subcutaneous fat deposits decrease [ 8 ] , making it easier to visualise the anatomical structures .
However , the use of a hoblet comes with some risks , which might outweigh the benefit of this option , as the mating process can be violent and lengthy . Experienced hoblet owners will be able to advise on the best time to place the ferrets together ( around 2 weeks into the jill ' s season ). If she is not receptive , the jill may be placed under unnecessary stress , and both sexes can sustain injuries ( Figure 4 ).
Figure 5 . A male ferret undergoing vasectomy surgery .
Deslorelin ( Suprelorin ) implant
Figure 4 . Cyst formation in a vasectomised hoblet after sham mating with an aggressive jill in the early stages of oestrus .
The Suprelorin implant is a little bigger than a microchip and is placed subcutaneously below the shoulder blades . Sometimes sedation may be required to place the implant , although , in the author ' s experience , implantation can be done easily in conscious ferrets with the use of a topical local anaesthetic cream and distraction with salmon oil or a bowl of whisked raw egg ( Figure 6 ).
In addition , this method can induce pseudopregnancy , where the jill may display nesting behaviour and exhibit aggressive behaviour towards the owner [ 1 ] . Owners should be aware that a vasectomised hob will still have all the behaviours of an entire male and will most likely need to be separated from other cage mates . Vasectomised hobs can remain aggressive and have a musky odour similar to intact hobs [ 1 ] , so when selecting an entire hob for vasectomy it is best to select a hob with a gentle nature .
Vasectomised hobs should not be used for 7 weeks after surgery , to allow sufficient time for spermatic semen degeneration . During surgery , a section of the spermatic duct is removed ( Figure 5 ). This is a very intricate surgery and unfortunately can result in multiple unwanted litters if the remaining semen is still viable . It is advisable to send
Figure 6 . Placement of a 4.7 mg Suprelorin implant in a conscious ferret .
Volume 39 ( 4 ) • August 2024
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