Post by dookorama on Jan 20, 2006 4:49:31 GMT -5
Common Neoplasias in Ferrets
Written By: Jennifer Morris
With added definition key
Unfortunately neoplasms* or cancers are a very common medical problem in ferrets. Today it is very likely that every ferret will at some time be diagnosed with some form of Neoplasm. The first reports of neoplasms in ferrets are recorded as being in the 1950's. It wasn't that they did not exist prior to this but that they they were most likely misdiagnosed or the animals just were not examined. By 1988 the recorded cases of neoplasms rose to 161 and then to 170 by 1993. Neoplasms have been found in every system of the ferret's body and frequently a ferret will be diagnosed having more than one form of neoplasm at one time. The system most commonly diagnosed with Neoplasms is the *Endocrine system with a probability of 43.7% of occurrence. The second system that neoplasms are diagnosed in is the hemolymphatic system at 21.5%. The most common neoplasms found in ferrets are Pancreatic Islet Tumors or Insulinomas at a 21.17% probability of occurrence. The second most common neoplasms found in ferrets are Adrenocortical Cell Tumors at 20.1% probability of occurrence. Lymphomas are the last of the most common neoplasms at 19.1% probability of occurrence.
Although neoplasms can occur at any age the most common age range documented is ferrets 4 to 7 years of age. It is recommended that ferrets over the age of 3 have a full chemistry series run to evaluate the health of the organs and systems of the body. If not a full chemistry then at least a fasting glucose test and a CBC* . It is believed by some that early altering raises the prevalence of neoplasms in ferrets especially neoplasms of the Endocrine system. Techniques in diagnosing neoplasms in ferrets currently used are Cytology* (Study of the cells) , Hematology*, Serology*, Radiology* , Ultrasonography*, cytochemistry*, electron microscopy* and molecular biology*. Often times many techniques are implemented at once to come to a proper and more certain diagnosis. Sometimes a benign*-looking tumor on an histologic evaluation may have metastasised* elsewhere in the body. Distant metastasis* is more common in Pancreatic Islet Tumors.
By far the most common neoplasms though generally benign are Beta and Mast cell tumors. Mast Cells are the cells that line the blood vessels or the dermis* (skin). Alopecia* (hair loss) of the affected area may be present as superficial ulceration can be as well. They are almost always benign (not cancerous) and surgical removal is usually curative. Basal Cell Tumors arise from the Basal cells of the dermis and are usually large and ulcerated. Basal Cell Tumors are also usually benign and surgical removal usually results in a cure.
The first form of malignant neoplasm I will be discussing is the most prevalent in ferrets. Pancreatic Islets Tumors, more commonly known as Insulinomas make up 21.17% of documented neoplasm cases. Insulinomas cause the hyper-secretion of insulin into the body creating a hypoglycemic* state. Common signs or symptoms of insulinoma are re-occurrant episodes of depression, lethargy, hind end weakness, tremors, stupor, seizures, lip smacking, pawing at mouth and hyper-salivation due to the hyper-secretion of insulin*. If left untreated the hypoglycemia will cause neurological damage as well as brain damage. It will begin to manifest clinically as neurological dysfunction. Pathologically adenomas* are characterized by either single or multiple red, brown to gray spherical nodules in the Pancreas. These nodules are usually slightly firm, not frequently encapsulated and arranged in nets, cords or packets. Diagnosis is usually based on clinical signs, hematologic findings (blood work) and histiopathology*. Treatment for insulinoma can include surgery although it is common for the adenomas to reoccur, metasize elsewhere or encompass too much of the pancreas to be removed. The most common treatments for insulinoma are prednisone* (a steroid), lowering the sugar intake of the ferret and other alternative therapies. It is also very common for ferrets to have both Insulinoma as well as Adrenal disease.
The next form of neoplasm that we will discuss is the second most prevalent form found in ferrets, Adrenocortical Cell Tumors better known as Adrenal Disease. Adrenocortical tumors are tumors of the adrenal glands of the ferret. They cause the hyper-secretion of estrogen into the ferret's system. Like Insulinoma, Adrenal is also more prevalent in ferrets 4 to 7 years of age and is more frequently found in early altered ferrets. The most common clinical signs or symptoms are bilateral and symmetric alopecia*, vulvular swelling in females, sexual aggression in males and frequently a pendulous abdomen is noted upon exam. The diagnosis of Adrenal disease is frequently based on clinical signs, laboratory findings (such as the Tennessee panel*) and histopathology. If diagnosed early on enough surgical removal of the affected adrenal gland can be curative. Treatments other than surgery include, Melatonin* either injectable or an implant and Lupron shots. Both therapies are commonly used with one another when treating a ferret that is not a good surgical candidate.
The last form of Neoplasms we will discuss in this article is Lymphoma. Lymphomas are primary neoplasms in the lymphoid tissues and are a perliferation* of atypical lymphoid cells. The most common clinical signs and symptoms associated with lymphoma are; Anorexia* (weight loss), Lethargy (tires easily), Palpable masses (lumps you can feel), enlarged lymph glands and there may be prominent thoracic or viceral masses present*. The most common ages of ferrets where lymphoma has been diagnosed is 5 yrs of age, then 3 followed by under 1 year of age. Lymphoma when it occurs in a ferret who is under the age of 1 is referred to as Juvenile Mediastle Lymphoma or more commonly just as Juvenile Lymphoma. Coughing and or vomiting are common symptoms of Juvenile Lymphoma. Yet another form of Lymphoma found in ferrets is Leukemia. Leukemia's clinical signs include anemia, profound splenomegaly* and a hematologic finding of greater than 20,000 atypical large lymphocytes*.
I will take this moment to address a more rare form of Lymphoma as I have had the unfortunate experience of facing it head on with my little girl Smartie. This form of Lymphoma is Multiple Myeloma which is a neoplasm of the bone marrow and plasma* (blood). As you can assume by this form of neoplasia's description it is not curable and is only treatable to lessen the suffering of the afflicted ferret. Multiple Myeloma's common clinical signs are; vomiting, splenomegaly (enlarged spleen), renal dysfunction and hemoragic diathsis* (tendancy to bleed). Multiple Myeloma is very clinically similar to Aleutians Disease and can some times mis-diagnosed as such without running serum protein profiles* to isolate whether all imunoglobins* are raised or just those associated with a diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma. Other common symptoms Of Multiple Myeloma as it progresses is hind in paralysis, loss of patellar reflex, loss of central pain recognition and distant metasis*. Multiple Myeloma is diagnosed based on the clinical signs, radiology*, serum protein profiles* and ultrasonography*. As there is no know cure for Multiple Myeloma the course of treatment is generally aimed at keeping the patient as comfortable and loved as you can until the time come for them to leave for the bridge.
There are yet other forms of Lymphomas and neoplasias in general found in ferrets that are not as common ad we will not discuss in this particular article. Should anyone have a question regarding another form of Lymphoma they may contact me and I will try to help them to the best of my ability. Although if you have reason to suspect that your ferret may have Lymphoma or any disease please seek the advice of a Veterinarian instead of relying on articles on the internet.
Definitions of technical terms used above:
Terms that are defined in the key are marked above by an "*"
Alopecia - Baldness, absence of the hair from skin areas where it normally is present.
Benign - Something that does not metastasise and treatment or removal is curative.
Bilateral - Having two sides or pertaining to both sides.
CBC - Complete Blood Count. The number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are present in the ferret's sample of blood is determined
Cytology - The study of cells. Implies the use of light or electron microscopic methods for the study of morphology
Cytochemistry - Immunocytochemistry involves the use of labelled antibodies as part of the staining procedure.
Edocrine System - The system of glands that release their secretions (hormones) directly into the circulatory system.
Electron Microscopy - Any form of microscopy in which the interactions of electrons with the specimens are used to provide information about the final structure of that specimen.
Hematology - The study of the morphology of the blood and blood forming tissues.
Histiopathology - The branch of medicine concerned with disease, especially its structure and its functional effects on the body.
Lupron - Best information on Lupron in ferets www.miamiferret.org/fhc/lupron.htm
Plasma - Acellular fluid in which blood cells are suspended.
Metastasis - the spread of cancer from its primary site to other places in the body (e.g., brain, liver).
Microscopy - The science of the interpretive use, and applications of microscopes.
Molecular Biology - The study of the biochemistry of cells, it is closely linked to cell biology, in particular the biochemistry of DNA and cogeners.
Neoplasia - Cancer. Literally new growth, usually refers to abnormal new growth and thus means the same as tumour, which may be benign or malignant.
Radiology - The study of X-rays in the diagnosis of a disease.
Serology- A blood test that detects the presence of antibodies to a particular antigen.
Tennessee Panel - currently only one test that will confirm adrenal disease in your ferret and that is the Adrenal Panel which is run by the University of Tennessee, School of Veterinary Medicine.
Thoracic - Pertaining to or affecting the chest.
Ultrasonography - A technique in which high-frequency sound waves are bounced off internal organs and the echo pattern is converted into a 2 dimensional picture of the structures beneath the transducer.
Statistics and some research was obtained from the book: Biology and Diseases of the Ferret by: James G. Fox.
Written By: Jennifer Morris
With added definition key
Unfortunately neoplasms* or cancers are a very common medical problem in ferrets. Today it is very likely that every ferret will at some time be diagnosed with some form of Neoplasm. The first reports of neoplasms in ferrets are recorded as being in the 1950's. It wasn't that they did not exist prior to this but that they they were most likely misdiagnosed or the animals just were not examined. By 1988 the recorded cases of neoplasms rose to 161 and then to 170 by 1993. Neoplasms have been found in every system of the ferret's body and frequently a ferret will be diagnosed having more than one form of neoplasm at one time. The system most commonly diagnosed with Neoplasms is the *Endocrine system with a probability of 43.7% of occurrence. The second system that neoplasms are diagnosed in is the hemolymphatic system at 21.5%. The most common neoplasms found in ferrets are Pancreatic Islet Tumors or Insulinomas at a 21.17% probability of occurrence. The second most common neoplasms found in ferrets are Adrenocortical Cell Tumors at 20.1% probability of occurrence. Lymphomas are the last of the most common neoplasms at 19.1% probability of occurrence.
Although neoplasms can occur at any age the most common age range documented is ferrets 4 to 7 years of age. It is recommended that ferrets over the age of 3 have a full chemistry series run to evaluate the health of the organs and systems of the body. If not a full chemistry then at least a fasting glucose test and a CBC* . It is believed by some that early altering raises the prevalence of neoplasms in ferrets especially neoplasms of the Endocrine system. Techniques in diagnosing neoplasms in ferrets currently used are Cytology* (Study of the cells) , Hematology*, Serology*, Radiology* , Ultrasonography*, cytochemistry*, electron microscopy* and molecular biology*. Often times many techniques are implemented at once to come to a proper and more certain diagnosis. Sometimes a benign*-looking tumor on an histologic evaluation may have metastasised* elsewhere in the body. Distant metastasis* is more common in Pancreatic Islet Tumors.
By far the most common neoplasms though generally benign are Beta and Mast cell tumors. Mast Cells are the cells that line the blood vessels or the dermis* (skin). Alopecia* (hair loss) of the affected area may be present as superficial ulceration can be as well. They are almost always benign (not cancerous) and surgical removal is usually curative. Basal Cell Tumors arise from the Basal cells of the dermis and are usually large and ulcerated. Basal Cell Tumors are also usually benign and surgical removal usually results in a cure.
The first form of malignant neoplasm I will be discussing is the most prevalent in ferrets. Pancreatic Islets Tumors, more commonly known as Insulinomas make up 21.17% of documented neoplasm cases. Insulinomas cause the hyper-secretion of insulin into the body creating a hypoglycemic* state. Common signs or symptoms of insulinoma are re-occurrant episodes of depression, lethargy, hind end weakness, tremors, stupor, seizures, lip smacking, pawing at mouth and hyper-salivation due to the hyper-secretion of insulin*. If left untreated the hypoglycemia will cause neurological damage as well as brain damage. It will begin to manifest clinically as neurological dysfunction. Pathologically adenomas* are characterized by either single or multiple red, brown to gray spherical nodules in the Pancreas. These nodules are usually slightly firm, not frequently encapsulated and arranged in nets, cords or packets. Diagnosis is usually based on clinical signs, hematologic findings (blood work) and histiopathology*. Treatment for insulinoma can include surgery although it is common for the adenomas to reoccur, metasize elsewhere or encompass too much of the pancreas to be removed. The most common treatments for insulinoma are prednisone* (a steroid), lowering the sugar intake of the ferret and other alternative therapies. It is also very common for ferrets to have both Insulinoma as well as Adrenal disease.
The next form of neoplasm that we will discuss is the second most prevalent form found in ferrets, Adrenocortical Cell Tumors better known as Adrenal Disease. Adrenocortical tumors are tumors of the adrenal glands of the ferret. They cause the hyper-secretion of estrogen into the ferret's system. Like Insulinoma, Adrenal is also more prevalent in ferrets 4 to 7 years of age and is more frequently found in early altered ferrets. The most common clinical signs or symptoms are bilateral and symmetric alopecia*, vulvular swelling in females, sexual aggression in males and frequently a pendulous abdomen is noted upon exam. The diagnosis of Adrenal disease is frequently based on clinical signs, laboratory findings (such as the Tennessee panel*) and histopathology. If diagnosed early on enough surgical removal of the affected adrenal gland can be curative. Treatments other than surgery include, Melatonin* either injectable or an implant and Lupron shots. Both therapies are commonly used with one another when treating a ferret that is not a good surgical candidate.
The last form of Neoplasms we will discuss in this article is Lymphoma. Lymphomas are primary neoplasms in the lymphoid tissues and are a perliferation* of atypical lymphoid cells. The most common clinical signs and symptoms associated with lymphoma are; Anorexia* (weight loss), Lethargy (tires easily), Palpable masses (lumps you can feel), enlarged lymph glands and there may be prominent thoracic or viceral masses present*. The most common ages of ferrets where lymphoma has been diagnosed is 5 yrs of age, then 3 followed by under 1 year of age. Lymphoma when it occurs in a ferret who is under the age of 1 is referred to as Juvenile Mediastle Lymphoma or more commonly just as Juvenile Lymphoma. Coughing and or vomiting are common symptoms of Juvenile Lymphoma. Yet another form of Lymphoma found in ferrets is Leukemia. Leukemia's clinical signs include anemia, profound splenomegaly* and a hematologic finding of greater than 20,000 atypical large lymphocytes*.
I will take this moment to address a more rare form of Lymphoma as I have had the unfortunate experience of facing it head on with my little girl Smartie. This form of Lymphoma is Multiple Myeloma which is a neoplasm of the bone marrow and plasma* (blood). As you can assume by this form of neoplasia's description it is not curable and is only treatable to lessen the suffering of the afflicted ferret. Multiple Myeloma's common clinical signs are; vomiting, splenomegaly (enlarged spleen), renal dysfunction and hemoragic diathsis* (tendancy to bleed). Multiple Myeloma is very clinically similar to Aleutians Disease and can some times mis-diagnosed as such without running serum protein profiles* to isolate whether all imunoglobins* are raised or just those associated with a diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma. Other common symptoms Of Multiple Myeloma as it progresses is hind in paralysis, loss of patellar reflex, loss of central pain recognition and distant metasis*. Multiple Myeloma is diagnosed based on the clinical signs, radiology*, serum protein profiles* and ultrasonography*. As there is no know cure for Multiple Myeloma the course of treatment is generally aimed at keeping the patient as comfortable and loved as you can until the time come for them to leave for the bridge.
There are yet other forms of Lymphomas and neoplasias in general found in ferrets that are not as common ad we will not discuss in this particular article. Should anyone have a question regarding another form of Lymphoma they may contact me and I will try to help them to the best of my ability. Although if you have reason to suspect that your ferret may have Lymphoma or any disease please seek the advice of a Veterinarian instead of relying on articles on the internet.
Definitions of technical terms used above:
Terms that are defined in the key are marked above by an "*"
Alopecia - Baldness, absence of the hair from skin areas where it normally is present.
Benign - Something that does not metastasise and treatment or removal is curative.
Bilateral - Having two sides or pertaining to both sides.
CBC - Complete Blood Count. The number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are present in the ferret's sample of blood is determined
Cytology - The study of cells. Implies the use of light or electron microscopic methods for the study of morphology
Cytochemistry - Immunocytochemistry involves the use of labelled antibodies as part of the staining procedure.
Edocrine System - The system of glands that release their secretions (hormones) directly into the circulatory system.
Electron Microscopy - Any form of microscopy in which the interactions of electrons with the specimens are used to provide information about the final structure of that specimen.
Hematology - The study of the morphology of the blood and blood forming tissues.
Histiopathology - The branch of medicine concerned with disease, especially its structure and its functional effects on the body.
Lupron - Best information on Lupron in ferets www.miamiferret.org/fhc/lupron.htm
Plasma - Acellular fluid in which blood cells are suspended.
Metastasis - the spread of cancer from its primary site to other places in the body (e.g., brain, liver).
Microscopy - The science of the interpretive use, and applications of microscopes.
Molecular Biology - The study of the biochemistry of cells, it is closely linked to cell biology, in particular the biochemistry of DNA and cogeners.
Neoplasia - Cancer. Literally new growth, usually refers to abnormal new growth and thus means the same as tumour, which may be benign or malignant.
Radiology - The study of X-rays in the diagnosis of a disease.
Serology- A blood test that detects the presence of antibodies to a particular antigen.
Tennessee Panel - currently only one test that will confirm adrenal disease in your ferret and that is the Adrenal Panel which is run by the University of Tennessee, School of Veterinary Medicine.
Thoracic - Pertaining to or affecting the chest.
Ultrasonography - A technique in which high-frequency sound waves are bounced off internal organs and the echo pattern is converted into a 2 dimensional picture of the structures beneath the transducer.
Statistics and some research was obtained from the book: Biology and Diseases of the Ferret by: James G. Fox.
all my kids are doing well otter is getting real beefy feeling <winter weight?> and his coat is getting real soft not many noticeable changes overall,, new guy is getting big
Daxy is SO happy the weather is cooling off! He doesn't like the AC - it limits him to one room but when I let him go other places, he just flat ferrets cause it's too hote