Immune-mediated pure red cell aplasia in a domestic ferret.
METHODS
An 8-month-old spayed female domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was referred for examination to determine the cause of lethargy and severe anemia.


RESULTS
Initial examination revealed that the ferret was lethargic but with appropriate mentation. The only other abnormal findings were severe pallor of the mucous membranes, nasal planum, and skin and a PCV of 8%. Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) was diagnosed on the basis of cytologic evaluation of a bone marrow biopsy specimen.


RESULTS
Medical treatment included blood transfusions, IM administration of iron dextran, oral administration of antimicrobials and gastrointestinal tract protectants, and SC administration of erythropoietin. Once PRCA was diagnosed, the ferret was orally administered prednisone, cyclosporine, and azathioprine. Nine months after onset of treatment, the PRCA was in remission and the ferret was doing well. Immunosuppressive treatment was discontinued at 14 months after onset of treatment, and 36 months after initial examination, the ferret appeared to be healthy.


CONCLUSIONS
It is important that PRCA be considered as a differential diagnosis for a ferret with severe anemia. Prolonged immunosuppressive treatment was successful in the ferret described here.
Malka
Shachar
S
William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Hawkins
Michelle G
MG
Zabolotzky
Shanon M
SM
Mitchell
Elizabeth B
EB
Owens
Sean D
SD
D000818:Animals; D001803:Blood Transfusion / Q000662:veterinary*; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005289:Ferrets; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012010:Red-Cell Aplasia, Pure / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016572:Cyclosporine; D011241:Prednisone