QUESTION:
How is de-scenting done and what are the lasting effects to the ferret? Is it a good idea or not?

ANSWER:
It is not necessary to descent a ferret for odor! Odor is caused by hormones in a ferret that is not spayed or neutered, once the ferret has been altered then the odor is barely noticeable, only a slight 'musky' odor remains and will be always present,
whether de-scented or not.

When a ferret is not de-scented it will only use it's scent glands when alarmed or excited, the odor dissipates into the air very quickly and although very pungent, goes away in no time, not like a skunk who's odor can last for hours!

Surgery should be done by a vet who is familiar with this type of surgery. If it is not done correctly then the ferret can suffer for the rest of it's life. The correct way to excise the glands is to expose them through the anus and carefully remove the sacs inside without breaking them, it takes some time if done properly, but the ferret will heal right away.