Functional islet cell tumor in six ferrets.
Functional islet cell tumor was diagnosed in 6 ferrets. Prominent clinical signs included weight loss, hind limb weakness, ptyalism, and tremors. The diagnosis was made on the basis of 2 or more of the following methods and confirmed by histologic examination of biopsied tissue: hypoglycemia on routine serum biochemical analysis, clinical signs of hypoglycemia, simultaneous development of hypoglycemia (44 +/- 9.9 mg/dl; mean +/- SD), and hyperinsulinemia (58 +/- 18.4 microU/ml; mean +/- SD) after food was withheld for 4 hours. Surgical resection of affected tissue was associated with clinical improvement in all cases. Foci of metastasis were found in 1 ferret. Diazoxide was unsuccessful in controlling persistent postsurgical hypoglycemia in 2 ferrets. Additional functional islet cell tumors were identified in 5 of 6 ferrets at necropsy. Functional islet cell tumors are important neoplasms of older ferrets. Preventive health programs for ferrets > 3 years old should include monthly weight determinations and biannual CBC and serum biochemical analysis.
Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02139.
R P
RP
Marini
E B
EB
Ryden
W D
WD
Rosenblad
J C
JC
Murphy
J G
JG
Fox
D007516:Adenoma, Islet Cell / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005289:Ferrets; D008297:Male; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*