Ferret abdominal surgical procedures. Part II. Gastrointestinal foreign bodies, splenomegaly, liver biopsy, cystotomy, and ovariohysterectomy

Ingestion of foreign bodies is prevalent in young ferrets; as they age, obstruction with trichobezoars becomes more common. Splenomegaly, a common but typically benign condition in ferrets older than 2 years of age, is usually caused by extramedullary hematopoiesis. Liver biopsy can be a valuable diagnostic tool and is indicated during most exploratory celiotomies. Urolithiasis occurs in male and female ferrets. Being induced ovulators, female ferrets can develop hyperestrogenemia when in estrus for prolonged periods; spayed ferrets may occasionally have hyperestrogenemia as a result of residual ovarian tissue. Pyometra is rare in this species.