Laparotomy in Ferrets (Disease Investigation & Management - Treatment and Care)

• Incise the skin in the central midline from the xyphoid to the pubic area (for exploratory laparotomy) - usually stopping just cranial to the prepuce in males. (B631.23.w23)
  • A shorter skin incision can be made if the area of interest is know more precisely. (B631.23.w23)
  • The skin is quite thin but the subcuticutar tissues are relatively thick. (B232.19.w19)
• Identify the linea alba - a wide thin aponeurosis, semi-transparent in very young ferrets. (B631.23.w23)
  • This is well defined. (B232.19.w19)
• Grasp the linea alba with forceps or haemostat, at the level of the umbilcal scar and elevate it.
• Using the tip of a scalpel blade, make a small incision in the raised linea alba. (B631.23.w23)
• Continuing to raise the linea alba with haemostats, use rounded-tip scissors to extend the incision cranially and caudally.
  • Take care not to incise the diaphragm while extending the incision cranially - remember that the thorax is long. (B232.19.w19, B631.23.w23, J15.24.w5)
    • Incision of the diaphragm will result in pneumothorax, which can be life-threatening. (B232.19.w19, J15.24.w5)
• Place a retractor such as the Lone Star Retractor to maximise visualisation of, and access to, the abdominal cavity. (B631.23.w23)
• Note: there is often a substantial amount of fat in the abdomen. (J15.24.w5)

After the surgical procedure

• Suture the abdominal wall in an interrupted pattern using 2-3 metric (3/0 or 2/0 USP) monofilament absorbable suture material such as polydioxanone (PDS) or polyglecaprone (Monocryl).
  • A large number of single sutures improves pressure distirbution over the suture line. (B631.23.w23)
  • Use suture material which is as small as possible. (B631.23.w23)
  • Use of a continuous suture is not recommended, due to the active behaviour of ferrets and the length of the incision. (B631.23.w23)
• Either close the skin with an intradermal suture, 1.5 - 1 metric (4/0 or 5/0 USP) absorbable monofilament in a continuous pattern. (B631.23.w23)
  • Subcuticular suture with a fine absorbable suture material is recommended. (B232.19.w19, J15.24.w5)
• OR suture the skin with interrupted sutures using a non-absorbable 2 metric (3/0 USP) suture material suh as nylon or polypropalene. (B631.23.w23)

• Exploratory laparotomy is useful in the diagnosis of many diseases. (B631.23.w23)

• Serosanguinous discharge is common following laparotomy, especially after prolonged procedures, but is self-limiting. (B232.19.w19, J15.24.w5)

• Wide areas of echymoses are commonly noted on the abdominal skin by 24-48 hours after laparotomy, but this usually clears within a few days. (B631.23.w23)
• Ferrets are likely to chew sutures if the sutures are uncomfortable. (B232.19.w19, J15.24.w5)

• Standard anaesthetic equipment

• Surgical equipment.

• Suture materials.

• Retractor, e.g. Lone Star Retractor.

The costs of a surgical operation include those associated with: (J15.30.w1)

• Pre-operative diagnostics (e.g. radiography, ultrasonography, blood tests)
• Anaesthesia.
• Perioperative medication (e.g. analgesics, antibiotics, fluids).
• Surgical preparation (of the operating theatre and the patient, including staff time).
• Consumables and equipment.
• Time of the surgeon and assistant(s).
• Post-operative hospitalisation.