Pyometra in Ferrets

• Bacteria entering through the cervix may cause an infection called a pyometra. This often occurs during oestrus in female jills. The infection tracks up from the vagina or vulva. (B631.27.w27)
  • Pyometra may occur during a false pregnancy or three weeks after a failed mating. (B232.13.w13, B631.27.w27)
• Uterine stump pyometra may be seen in females that have already been spayed. This is due to increases of sex hormones caused by adrenal disease. (B602.12.w12, B631.27.w27, J213.6.w4)
  • Ovarian remnants may also cause a uterine pyometra. (B602.12.w12, J213.6.w4)
• Pyometra can occur secondary to causes of immunosuppression. (B232.13.w13)
• Common bacteria found in pyometra include Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus sp, Streptococcus sp. and Corynebacterium sp. (B232.11.w11, B602.12.w12, B631.27.w27)

• Escherichia coli
• Staphylococcus sp.
• Streptococcus sp.
• Corynebacterium sp.

Clinical signs

In Ferrets

• Pyometra generally has a similar presentation to that in cats and dogs. (J213.6.w4)
• Depression, lethargy and sometimes pyrexia. (B627.10.w10)
  • Sudden anorexia. (B232.11.w1, B602.12.w12, J215.23.w1)
  • Lethargy. (B602.12.w12, J215.23.w1)
  • Lethargy and inappetance may be present, but this could also be due to vaginitis. (B631.27.w27)
• If an open pyometra is present, a vulvar discharge may be seen. (B232.19.w19, B602.12.w12, B627.10.w10, B631.27.w27, J215.23.w1)
• Occasionally ferrets may have increased thirst and increased urination. (B232.19.w19, B602.12.w12)
• Ferrets may show signs of oestrogen-induced aplastic anaemia, but this is rare with pyometra. (J213.6.w4)

Clinical pathology

• High white cell count. (B631.27.w27)
• Neutrophilia. (B631.27.w27)

Pathology

Gross pathology

• Uterus enlarged and filled with purulent exudate. (B627.10.w10)

Histopathology

• Endometrial glands dilated and cystic, with edsquamation of cells lining the glands, while the glands' lumens are filled with polymorphonuclear cells. (B627.10.w10)
• In the endometrial stroma, inflammatory infiltrate involving mixed cells; commonly also abscessation. (B627.10.w10)

• Pyometras in ferrets are uncommon [in the USA], as most ferrets are spayed at an early age. (B602.12.w12, J213.6.w4)
• Uterine stump pyometra may be seen in females that have already been spayed. This is due to increases of sex hormones caused by adrenal disease (Adrenocortical Neoplasia in Ferrets). (B602.12.w12, B631.27.w27, J213.6.w4)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is similar to that in cats and dogs. (B631.27.w27)

In Ferrets

• History and vaginal cytology, to differentiate vulvar swelling from that associated with oestrus. (B631.27.w27)
• An enlarged uterus may be palpated in the abdomen. (B232.11.w11)

Imaging

• Radiograph and ultrasonography of the abdomen may show an enlarged tubular swelling (enlarged uterine horns). (B627.10.w10, B631.27.w27) 
  • A swollen structure dorsal to the bladder may be seen. (J213.6.w4)

Blood tests

• A complete blood count should be carried out to check for bone marrow suppression which can occur with hyperoestrogenism (Hyperoestrogenism in Ferrets). (B602.12.w12)
• Elevated wbc count, with neutrophilia. (B631.27.w27)

Differential diagnosis

• Cystic urogenital abnormality. (J213.6.w4)

Treatment

In Ferrets

• Toxaemia can kill the ferret, so quick treatment is necessary. (B232.13.w13)
• Fluid therapy is required for treatment of dehydration, any electrolyte imbalances and any hypoglycaemia. (B232.13.w13, B631.27.w27)
• A broad spectrum antibiotic should be given. (B602.12.w12, B631.27.w27)
• Ovariohysterectomy. (B232.13.w13, B232.19.w19, B602.12.w12, B631.27.w27, J215.23.w1)
  • Use Isoflurane for the anaesthetic. (B232.13.w13)
  • Take extra care that the contents of uterus are not spilled into the abdomen. (B232.19.w19)
    • Ensure that the uterus is outside of the abdomen and a laparotomy sponge is placed underneath, to prevent contamination with pus in the abdomen. (B602.12.w12)
    • Lavage the abdomen once the uterus and sponge has been removed. (B602.12.w12)
  • Note: Torsion of the uterus may have occurred. (B232.13.w13)
• For uterine stump pyometra, treatment involves treatment for adrenal disease (if present), surgical removal of the uterine stump and antibiotics. (B631.27.w27)
• If secondary to an immunosuppressive disease, this disease needs to be treated. (B232.13.w13)

• Ovariohysterectomy of Ferrets
• Environmental Assessment
• History & Documentation
• Physical Examination of Mammals
• Clinical Pathology of Ferrets
• Imaging in Ferret Diagnosis and Treatment
• Necropsy of Mammals
• Treatment and Care
• Environmental and Population Management
• Preventative Medicine for Mammals
• Chapter 2 - B36 Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases - Specimen Collection and Preservation
• Chapter 3 - B36 Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases - Specimen shipment
• Appendix A - B36 Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases - Sample specimen history form

• Mustela putorius furo - Ferret