Semen Collection by Urethral Catheterization After Pharmacological Induction With Dexmedetomidine and Methadone in Ferrets.

Abstract

The evaluation of fertility in stud animals is crucial across all species. Various semen collection techniques have been described in the literature, depending on the practitioner's expertise, available equipment and the species being examined. These techniques include the use of an artificial vagina, electroejaculation, urethral catheterization and the administration of alpha-2 adrenergic agonists to induce penile erection and ejaculation. Since 1965, several studies have explored semen collection methods in ferrets. Chang et al. initially performed post-mortem collection from the epididymis and vas deferens, while in 1970, Shump et al. successfully utilised electroejaculation. More recently, reproductive specialists have reported improved semen collection results through urethral catheterization following the administration of alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. The first successful application of this technique in felids was documented in 2008 by Zambelli et al. using medetomidine. In 2017, Pisu et al. employed a similar protocol, combining dexmedetomidine and methadone. In ferrets, urethral catheterization was first described in 2020, using a combination of ketamine, midazolam, and dexmedetomidine. The goal of this study was to present an alternative protocol for semen collection in ferrets, utilising dexmedetomidine and methadone to induce ejaculation.