Use of a gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist implant containing 4.7 mg deslorelin for medical castration in male ferrets (Mustela putorius furo).

摘要

Sterilization of ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) is a common practice. Male ferrets, unlike females, don't need castration for medical reasons, but are frequently neutered to prevent reproduction and reduce their musky odor and aggressive territorial behavior. The search for an alternative to surgical castration is an important goal and challenge in this species. The use of a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist implant containing deslorelin in ferrets has been documented in the literature as a treatment for adrenocortical disease and, to a lesser extent, for medical castration. This study is the first evaluation of a GnRH-agonist implant containing 4.7 mg deslorelin for medical castration in male ferrets with an assessment of the duration of infertility over a 3-year follow-up. Twenty-nine intact male ferrets in rut were implanted and were used for tolerance evaluation. Infertility was assessed in 27 ferrets by evaluating their testosterone concentrations, testis size and musky odor. Our results indicated that infertility was induced within 6 weeks post-implantation and that the suppression of fertility lasted at least 16 months. No side effects related to the implant were reported. The 4.7 mg deslorelin implant is a suitable alternative for surgical castration in male ferrets.