Unilateral adrenalectomy as a treatment for adrenocortical tumors in ferrets: five cases (1990-1992)
Lawrence, H.J.; Gould, W.J.; Flanders, J.A.; Rowland, P.H.; Yeager, A.E.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 203(2): 267-270
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 8407488 Document Number: 406517
Adrenocortical tumours were diagnosed in 5 adult spayed ferrets. Four ferrets had bilaterally symmetrical alopecia of the caudal femoral region, abdomen, and tail, and 1 had alopecia of the distal limbs and feet. All 5 ferrets had vulvar swelling. During abdominal ultrasonography, irregular masses, believed to involve the adrenal glands, were seen in all 5 ferrets. Unilateral adrenalectomy was performed successfully in each ferret by use of ventral midline celiotomy. On histological examination of biopsy samples, 4 ferrets were found to have adrenocortical adenomas, and 1 ferret was found to have an adrenocortical adenocarcinoma. All clinical signs resolved after adrenalectomy, suggesting that the adrenocortical tumours had been secreting adrenocortical hormones.