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Small Mammals + Surgical Conditions

  • Abscesses are one of the most common and difficult clinical problems in rabbits.

  • A rat's lifespan is only 18-48 months so ageing changes and natural fatal conditions such as tumours are fairly common.

  • It has always been customary for vets to recommend surgical neutering of ferrets. Unfortunately, it is now clear that this has been a major factor in the large increase in cases of adrenal gland disease.

  • The main skin diseases in ferrets are associated with parasites - fleas, mites and ticks - with bacterial skin disease and tumours such as mast cell tumours.

  • Should small mammals be neutered? Aside from birth control, there may be other issues at play.