Long-term outcome of domestic ferrets treated surgically for hyperadrenocorticism: 130 cases (1995-2004).
OBJECTIVE
To determine the long-term survival rate and factors that affect survival time of domestic ferrets treated surgically for hyperadrenocorticism.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
130 ferrets with hyperadrenocorticism that were treated surgically.


METHODS
Medical records of ferrets surgically treated for hyperadrenocorticism were reviewed. Data recorded included signalment, duration of clinical signs prior to hospital admission, CBC values, serum biochemical analysis results, anesthetic time, surgical time, concurrent diseases, adrenal gland affected (right, left, or both [bilateral]), histopathologic diagnosis, surgical procedure, caudal vena caval involvement (yes or no), postoperative melena (yes or no), days in hospital after surgery, and whether clinical signs of hyperadrenocorticism developed after surgery.


RESULTS
130 ferrets were entered in the study (11 of 130 ferrets were admitted and underwent surgery twice). The 1- and 2-year survival rates were 98% and 88%, respectively. A 50% survival rate was never reached. Combined partial adrenal gland resection with cryosurgery had a significantly negative effect on survival time. No other risk factors were identified. Survival time was not significantly affected by either histopathologic diagnosis or specific affected adrenal gland (right, left, or bilateral).


CONCLUSIONS
Ferrets with adrenal gland masses that were treated surgically had a good prognosis. Survival time of ferrets with hyperadrenocorticism undergoing surgery was not affected by the histologic characteristic of the tumor, the adrenal glands affected (right, left, or bilateral), or complete versus partial adrenal gland resection. Debulking was a sufficient surgical technique to allow a favorable long-term outcome when complete excision was not possible.
Swiderski
Jennifer K
JK
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
Seim
Howard B
HB
MacPhail
Catriona M
CM
Campbell
Terry W
TW
Johnston
Matthew S
MS
Monnet
Eric
E
D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D000315:Adrenalectomy / Q000662:veterinary*; D000308:Adrenocortical Hyperfunction / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005289:Ferrets; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome