De-sexing Surgery

De-sexing, or neutering, is a surgical procedure performed under general anaesthesia.

In female ferrets, this involves the removal of the ovaries and the uterus and may also be called ‘spaying’, whilst in males, ‘castration’ is the removal of the testicles.  Hormonal castration can also be performed.

Neutering is essential in ferrets. The breeders will normally have had a veterinarian perform the surgery before you purchase your pet. If they are not spayed, female ferrets will develop life threatening anaemia due to the effects of the cycling female hormones.

Male ferrets, if not castrated will be incredibly smelly and impossible to live with indoors.

Neutering can increase the risk of adrenal gland disease. If you are concerned please speak to our veterinarians during a consultation as there are some treatments available to reduce this risk.

If you have a ferret and you are not sure whether it has been desexed or not please phone for an appointment.