Comparison of estradiol and progesteron serum levels in ferrets suffering from hyperoestrogenism and ovarian neoplasia

The aim of this study was to determine whether serum levels of 17beta-estradiol and progesterone are significant diagnostic tools for the confirmation of specific reproductive diseases associated with hyperestrogenism. Thirty-one adult ferrets (Mustela putorrius furo) were divided into five groups. The levels of serum 17beta-estradiol differed significantly when comparing females with ovarian tumors (817.80 ± 433.90 pmol/l) to intact (83.50 ± 32.53 pmol/l) and spayed, healthy females (73.17 ± 0.41 pmol/l) as well as to females with prolonged estrus (274.75 ± 192.40 pmol/l). Concentrations of serum progesterone differed significantly when comparing females with ovarian tumours (2.10 ± 1.85 ng/ml) to intact (0.40 ± 0.40 ng/ml) and spayed, healthy females (0.30 ± 0.12 ng/ml). Our study has made it clear that a determination of serum concentrations of 17-beta estradiol and progesterone is not sufficient for distinguishing between prolonged estrus and the presence of ovarian tumours. Therefore, it is advisable to employ other clinical procedures, such as ones allowing organ visualization. Increased concentrations of 17beta-estradiol in ferrets persisted for two weeks after hCG administration. This is particularly important in clinical practice, as negative effects of estrogens on bone marrow could persist for more than 14 days. Therefore, ferrets should be clinically monitored for a longer period of time.