Estrogen-induced bone marrow depression in ferrets.

The administration of estrogen-induced severe bone marrow depression in 9 of 12 ferrets, independent of sex (male, female) or ovariohysterectomy. Resultant pancytopenia was manifested by subcutaneous petechiae, melena, hematomyelia, pale mucous membranes, pale bone marrow, centrilobular hepatic degeneration, hydrometra, and pyometra. These findings are compatible with the naturally occurring estrus-associated anemia seen in female ferrets.