>From:    Sukie Crandall <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: early sterilization...
>QUESTION: why did your vet find it was "easier" to sterilize younger kits
>than older ones?
 
Well, I am not really sure.  He did tell me, but I can't remember exactly.
I think it is because the parts are so small.  I have personally seen (&
assisted) him do spay/neuters & descents on kits this age - note that they
were NOT mine.  The testicles in kits this age are about pea sized and
"pop" right out easily.  The uterus is also easy to spot and "get a grab
on".  I have only seen him use a spay hook on older ferrets.  As far as
descenting - the glands are much smaller - about the size of peas also -
compared to an adults (alomst the size of your thumb) - but of course both
are stinky if broken (techs bolt out of the room).  I do think it may have
to with the fact that that is the age he actually learned on.  He doesn't
have a preferance (he steers everybody towards late altering).  He is very
percise and makes very small incisions (can hardly see a scar on spays!)
and is a super vet.
 
Amy Flemming
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Flemming Farms/Weasel Watchers Ferret Rescue - Michigan, USA
Breeding for Quality Ferrets/Helping Needy Weasels
American, Australian, German, and New Zealand bloodlines
Come see us at http://www.geocities.com/heartland/ranch/9521
 
"For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism"
[Posted in FML issue 2589]