>From: meesh meesh <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Breeders (and vets) - Question
>...The question she asked was if ever during pregnancy, female ferrets
>have bloody discharges (and, is this normal?). ...
 
Hi!
 
It can be normal for jills to have a bloody discharge.  It can also be a
sign of a problem developing.
 
This season I had two jills spot blood a week prior to delivery.  In both
cases it was only spotty and only lasted about 24 hours.  Also, in both
cases, there was a still born kit during the delivery.  I tend to believe
that if this occurs, one of the kits has separated for one reason or
another, hence the reason for the spotting.
 
I have also seen very bloody deliveries when there were neural tube kits
in the litter.  These seem to produce lots of fluid in the uterine horns.
 
Some jills will also have what I call 'hershey syrup' prior to delivery.
Seems to run in some lines, not others, haven't seen it be a problem.
 
Some jills seem to have very bloody deliveries while some can deliver a
dozen and not a drop of blood be found on the bedding.  So, sorry to say,
there is no definitive answer.
 
Jills can also ooze for several days after delivering.  Just be sure that
the jill is not lethargic or running a fever.
 
Hope this helps!
 
Vickie
Just a Business of Ferrets
[Posted in FML issue 3467]