Ultrasonographic detection of adrenal gland tumors in two ferrets.
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.
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506.
J
J
Ackermann
J W
JW
Carpenter
C P
CP
Godshalk
C A
CA
Harms
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D000306:Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D000505:Alopecia / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary; D000818:Animals; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005289:Ferrets; D008297:Male; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014844:Vulva / Q000473:pathology