Descenting a ferret prevents these anal scent glands from secreting a pungent and unpleasant odor.
- The ferret is sedated
- Vets inject local anesthetic around the glands to further limit discomfort.
- Small, quick incisions are made on either side of the anus, which allows the vet to locate the glands that house and produce the foul-smelling fluid.
- Then cuts, lifts, rotates, and ultimately removes them along with their ducts - preventing any chance of them reforming again
- Finally, they'll flush the wound site to remove debris with a mixture of antibiotics; they administer pain relievers, suture incisions closed, and send the patient home with oral painkillers or anti-inflammatories to keep them comfortable
*Descenting is typically performed to remove the odor when ferrets are living indoors as pets.*