Prostatitis and Prostate Abscesses in Ferrets
The prostate is a spindle-shaped structure surrounding the back side of the urethra. Bacterial prostatitis and prostatic abscesses are usually secondary to cysts in the urogenital area. Accumulation of prostatic secretions within these cysts can become secondarily infected, resulting in chronic bacterial prostatitis or prostatic abscess.
Bacteria usually gain access to the prostate gland and prostatic cysts by ascending the urethra and overcoming the lower urinary tract host defense mechanisms. Frequently, abscesses or cysts will impinge on the urethra causing partial or complete obstruction, or rupture and expel its contents into the abdominal cavity. Prostatitis is seen primarily in neutered males, three to seven years old.
Symptoms and Types
Ferrets with complete obstruction will display signs of kidney failure, depression, lethargy and a general loss of appetite (anorexia). Other typical symptoms include:
- Weight loss
- Pustular discharge
- Abdominal distention
- Straining to defecate
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty urinating (including intense straining and crying when urinating)
- Bilaterally symmetric hair loss (alopecia) or itching due to adrenal disease
Evidence suggests that ferret adrenal disease and subsequent urogenital cysts and prostatitis may be related to neutering at an early age. Most ferrets with bacterial urinary tract infection have the same bacteria present in the prostate gland. However, ferrets may have a prostatic infection without evidence of bacteria or inflammation in their urine.
There are many other diseases that can account for these symptoms, so your veterinarian will need to rule them out in his search for a diagnosis. He or she will begin with a physical examination before conducting a blood test and urinalysis. If an abscess is discovered, a sample of the fluid from the abscess will be cultured. Your veterinarian may also require the aid of X-rays or an ultrasound to locate the abscesses.
A product made of fluid, cell waste, and cells
An inflammation of the prostate gland
A condition of having only one side
An in-depth examination of the properties of urine; used to determine the presence or absence of illness
urinary tract infection
Also referred to as a UTI; a medical condition of the urinary tract and system in which the cells are damaged by microorganisms.
The gland around the urethra that secretes the fluid to allow sperm to move about
A tube found between the bladder and the outside of the body; used to assist in urination.
A medical condition in which the peritoneum becomes inflamed
The gland that produces the hormone adrenaline and others; helps to regulate the metabolism, electrolytes, and even sexual function; also helps to regulate the way the body responds to injury, trauma, etc. The adrenal gland is found near the kidney. Also referred to as the suprarenal gland.
A localized infection, usually a lesion filled with pus. Can be large or small in size.
The process of surgically extracting one or both of the adrenal glands.
The process of making something larger by dilating or stretching it
The space in the abdomen that holds the major digestive organs in an animal. Normally referred to as the area between the diaphragm and the pelvis. Also referred to as the peritoneal cavity.
The condition of being drowsy, listless, or weak
The prediction of a disease’s outcome in advance