Ultrasonographic detection of adrenal gland tumors in two ferrets
Ackermann, J.; Carpenter, J.W.; Godshalk, C.P.; Harms, C.A.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 205(7): 1001-1003
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 7852151 Document Number: 432141
Hyperadrenocorticism is recognized as a common medical condition in middle- to old-aged ferrets. Because diagnosis of adrenocortical tumors in ferrets, using results of adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation or dexamethasone suppression tests, is unreliable, ultrasonography was used as an alternative to laparotomy for the detection of tumors in 2 ferrets. The diagnosis was confirmed by surgical excision and histologic examination of the adrenal gland. In a typical manifestation of the condition, clinical signs in 1 ferret included vulvar swelling and serous to mucopurulent vaginal discharge, which resolved after the adrenalectomy.