Ferret abdominal surgical procedures. Part II. Gastrointestinal foreign bodies, splenomegaly, liver biopsy, cystotomy, and ovariohysterectomy

Ingestion of foreign bodies is prevalent in young ferrets; as they age, obs truction with trichobezoars becomes more common. Splenomegaly, a common but typically benign condition in ferrets older than 2 years of age, is usuall y caused by extramedullary hematopoiesis. Liver biopsy can be a valuable di agnostic tool and is indicated during most exploratory celiotomies. Urolith iasis occurs in male and female ferrets. Being induced ovulators, female fe rrets can develop hyperestrogenemia when in estrus for prolonged periods; s payed ferrets may occasionally have hyperestrogenemia as a result of residu al ovarian tissue. Pyometra is rare in this species.