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| Glands are comprised of secretory cells that produce substances like saliva, oils, mucus, milk or acid. The two anal glands of ferrets produce a strong smelling fluid, and most ferrets sold in pet stores were descented at the time they were castrated or spayed. Both glands and the draining ducts are removed with this procedure, but if a piece of gland tissue is left behind, it will still produce the material. With no duct to drain through it will accumulate under the skin like a blister, and can become filled with pus.
This can be painful. You might notice the ferret jumping in and out of the litter box with discomfort during bowel movements and he might drag his rump on the floor repeatedly. The blister can grow and then rupture. The smell will be strong and will be the smell of ferret anal glands. It will heal, and then the process will repeat itself again and again. The remaining gland tissue should be surgically removed to prevent this problem from occurring repeatedly. |
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© J. Strong-Klefenz, 2002 - 2006. All Rights Reserved.
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Any unauthorized reproduction, storage, transmittal or distribution, in whole or part, is strictly prohibited.