http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24789851

QUOTE:

Vet Rec. 2014 Apr 29. doi: 10.1136/vr.102389. [Epub ahead of print]
Use of a GnRH agonist implant as alternative for surgical neutering in
pet ferrets.

Zeeland YR1, Pabon M, Roest J, Schoemaker NJ.

Abstract
In the current study, the duration of effectiveness, owner satisfaction
and side effects of a gonadotrophin releasing hormone-agonist
(deslorelin) implant were investigated during a two-year follow-up
study in which 61 male and 69 female entire pet ferrets were given a
4.7 mg deslorelin implant as alternative to surgical neutering. In 27
participating non-oestrous jills, a double-blind placebo controlled
study was performed to investigate whether a single low dose of
medroxyprogesterone (2 mg orally) four days preceding placement of the
implant could prevent oestrus induction. The duration of effectiveness
of the implant ranged from 301 days to over 1339 days (mean 1012 ±38
days), with no sex difference present. Over 90 per cent of owners were
pleased with the effects of the implant. Minor local side effects were
noted in less than 20 per cent of ferrets, which all resolved within a
week without treatment. Oestrus was induced in 77 per cent of jills
receiving medroxyprogesterone and 50 per cent of jills receiving the
placebo, indicating that administration of a low-dose progestogen
cannot prevent postimplant oestrus. Based on the minimum duration of
effectiveness, it is advised to place a new implant on a yearly basis
to guarantee continuous gonadal suppression, although biannual
replacement may be sufficient in the majority of ferrets.

PMID: 24789851 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

[Posted in FML 8100]