>I was told I might be able to find help here.  I recently saved a
>breeder's female from an exotic animal auction.  She appeared to have
>just gave birth (or was about to) as her vagina was extremely enlarged
>and she was skinny like she has been giving milk.
>
>I did a gentle untrained palp and could feel a kit-sized lump (approx
>5 centimeters by 2.5) in her abdomen which is no longer present now.
>
>My auction rescue girl has a dark gooey discharge from her vagina -
>I'm concerned as it appears to be blood.  When wiped off with a paper
>towel it's reddish.  Nothing in any of my books covers anything like
>this.
>
>On the other hand, she is eating well, drinking normally and her stool
>is normal.
>
>Thanks in advance - and please forgive me if I have broken any protocols
>in my posting.
 
The swollen vulva indicates the presence of high levels of estrogen -
which depending on her age, may mean that she is either a) in a persistent
estrus, or b) suffering from adrenal disease.
 
Discharges from the vagina are generally something that needs to be taken
seriously, especially if the uterus appears swollen.  If she is not already
spayed, we may be dealing with a uterine infection.  Adrenal disease, due
to the liberation of estrogens, may also induce uterine infections in
unspayed females, and even mild stump infections in spayed females.
 
Regardless of the cause - this enlarged vulva means that if you are not
intending to breed her straightaway - she needs to go to the vet, be
examined carefully, and if not anemic, I would recommend spaying her that
visit.  Also, an assessment of age and the possibility of adrenal disease
can be made at this time.
 
At any rate, this is one ferret who needs to see a vet soon.
 
With kindest regards,
Bruce H. Williams, DVM, DACVP
 
Join the Ferret Health List at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ferret-Health-list
 
---
I would be quite concerned about a possible pyometra (uterine infection).
I strongly recommend you get her seen soon.
 
Dr. Ruth
*****************************************
Save lives - spay or neuter your pet.
[Posted in FML issue 3415]