Surgical Management of Adrenal Tumors and Insulinomas in Ferrets

Domestic ferrets are popular pets and comprise a significant percentage of the caseload in many veterinary practices. This article describes the diagnosis and surgical techniques for treatment of 2 common endocrine disorders affecting ferrets, adrenal gland disease and pancreatic beta cell neoplasms. Although medical treatment options are used to reduce the severity of clinical signs associated with adrenal hyperplasia or neoplasia, surgical removal of the adrenal gland(s) is the treatment of choice. Clinical disease associated with pancreatic beta cell tumors includes hypoglycemia, and in many cases the tumor will metastasize early in the course of the disease. Although achieving a complete resolution of pancreatic beta cell neoplasia is unlikely, surgical removal of insulin-secreting tumors is recommended to temporarily alleviate the clinical syndrome and confirm the diagnosis.     

Chondrosarcoma Associated With the Appendicular Skeleton of 2 Domestic Ferrets

A 5-year-old male neutered ferret (Mustela putorius) and a 2-year-old male neutered ferret were evaluated for fast growing immobile swellings involving the left hock and the right scapula, respectively. In both cases, serum chemistry was unremarkable and a complete blood count demonstrated mild anemia. In case 1, radiographic evaluation demonstrated increased soft tissue density in the region of the distal tibia and fibular tarsal bone. A fine-needle aspirate demonstrated atypical mesenchymal cells, and an incisional biopsy revealed irregular partly mineralized proliferations of cartilage consistent with chondrosarcoma. Computed tomography was performed, demonstrating attachment of the mass to the distolateral tibial epiphysis. A limb-sparing surgery was performed; however, 5 months following resection local reoccurrence was noted. At 18 months, the ferret underwent a left hind limb amputation. No sign of metastatic disease was reported at 27 months. In case 2, radiographic evaluation demonstrated a poorly organized mineralized soft tissue mass extending from the right acromion to the area surrounding the neck of the scapula. Microscopic evaluation of an incisional biopsy revealed a chondrosarcoma. A forequarter amputation was performed. The ferret died 4 years later with no evidence of local recurrence or the development of metastatic disease. These 2 cases represent the first reports of chondrosarcoma in the appendicular skeleton of 2 ferrets. Based on these 2 cases, local recurrence may be expected unless adequate surgical margins are achieved. The metastatic potential of chondrosarcoma in this species appears to be low.     

Ibuprofen Ingestion in Ferrets: 43 Cases January 1995–March 2000)

Objective: To summarize typical clinical signs, characterize the anticipated course of action, and give treatment recommendations for ibuprofen ingestion in ferrets.
Design: Retrospective study
Patients: Records of 43 cases of ibuprofen ingestion in ferrets that were reported between January 1996-March 2000, to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC).
Measurements and Main Results: Twenty-seven (93.1%) ferrets that had ingested ibuprofen developed neurologic signs, such as depression, coma, ataxia, recumbency, tremors, and weakness. In addition, 16 cases (55.2%) had one or more GI effects including anorexia, vomiting, retching or gagging, diarrhea, and melena. Polydipsia, polyuria, dysuria, renal failure, weight loss, shallow breathing, metabolic acidosis, dehydration, and hypothermia were also reported. Death was reported in 4 cases. The lowest dose associated with death was 220 mg/kg.
Conclusion: Data in this study indicate that clinical signs of ibuprofen toxicosis in ferrets are more severe than those expected at similar dosages in dogs. The reason for this difference is poorly understood since the pathophysiology of ibuprofen is relatively unknown in ferrets. The onset of clinical signs appeared to occurr soon after ingestion and the toxic effects in ferrets typically involve the CNS, GI and renal systems. Treatment for ibuprofen toxicosis in the ferret includes stabilization, gastrointestinal decontamination, fluid diuresis, GI protection, and supportive care.(J Vet Emerg Crit Care 2001; 11(1):53–59)     

Prospective clinical evaluation of serum cardiac troponin T in dogs admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital

The purpose of this study was to measure serum cardiac troponin T (cTnT) with a commercially available human enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) test in various groups of dogs, including those undergoing doxorubicin chemotherapy. Serum samples were obtained from 6 groups of dogs: (1) normal adult dogs (n = 15); (2) dogs with asymptomatic dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 5); (3) dogs with congestive heart failure (n = 10); (4) dogs with untreated neoplasia (n = 20); (5) dogs with skeletal muscle trauma (n = 10); and (6) dogs with neoplasia receiving doxorubicin chemotherapy (n = 4). One serum sample was obtained from each of the normal dogs, those with asymptomatic cardiomyopathy, those with congestive heart failure, and those with untreated neoplasia. Serum samples were obtained serially from the dogs that were undergoing doxorubicin chemotherapy; samples were collected before doxorubicin (30 mg/m2) administration and then 1, 5, 7, and 14 days after administration throughout 6 cycles for a cumulative total dose of 180 mg/m2. All normal dogs, dogs with untreated neoplasia, and dogs with asymptomatic dilated cardiomyopathy had cTnT concentrations below the lower limits of detection for the assay used (<0.05 ng/mL). Detectable concentrations of cTnT were found in 3 dogs with congestive heart failure and in 2 dogs with skeletal muscle trauma. Detectable concentrations also were found in both dogs that had received 180 mg/m2 of doxorubicin. We conclude that dogs with congestive heart failure and those with skeletal muscle trauma and dogs with neoplasia receiving high-dose doxorubicin chemotherapy may have increased serum cTnT concentration, which may be suggestive of myocardial damage.