title: Ultrasonographic visualization of the adrenal glands of healthy ferrets and ferrets with hyperadrenocorticism.
abstract: A protocol was developed to compare the ultrasonographic characteristics of the adrenal glands of 21 healthy ferrets and 37 ferrets with hyperadrenocorticism. By using specific landmarks, the adrenal glands were imaged in 97% of the cases. The adrenal glands of ferrets with hyperadrenocorticism had a significantly increased thickness, with changes in shape, structure, and echogenicity compared to the adrenal glands of healthy ferrets. Based on the findings of the study, adrenal glands may be classified as abnormal when they have a rounded appearance, increased size of the cranial/caudal pole (thickness >3.9 mm), a heterogeneous structure, increased echogenicity, and/or signs of mineralization.
authors.affiliation: Division of Avian and Exotic Animal Medicine, Department of Clinical Science of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Andrea Maria
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Kuijten
authors.forename: Nico J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Schoemaker
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Voorhout
mesh_terms: D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D000308:Adrenocortical Hyperfunction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005289:Ferrets; D008297:Male; D014463:Ultrasonography