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Ferrets (Laboratory) - Pathology (view source)
Revision as of 19:42, 2 March 2011
, 19:42, 2 March 2011→Endocrine System
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Gross lesions will include reddish-brown islet cell tumors that have well defined nodules ranging in size from 2mm to 1cm. Tumors will be firmer than surrounding pancreatic tissue and they can be multiple. Islet cell tumors must be differentiated grossly from the foci of pancreatic exocrine hyperplasia which is also a common benign age-related finding in ferrets. (Foci of pancreatic exocrine hyperplasia are generally the same colour and consistency as surrounding tissue whereas tumors are noticeably different from surrounding tissues). Microscopic lesions will include an unencapsulated tumor and often greatly enlarged islets of Langerhans. Identical foci may be present on surrounding mesentery.
Gross lesions will include reddish-brown islet cell tumors that have well defined nodules ranging in size from 2mm to 1cm. Tumors will be firmer than surrounding pancreatic tissue and they can be multiple. Islet cell tumors must be differentiated grossly from the foci of pancreatic exocrine hyperplasia which is also a common benign age-related finding in ferrets. (Foci of pancreatic exocrine hyperplasia are generally the same colour and consistency as surrounding tissue whereas tumors are noticeably different from surrounding tissues). Microscopic lesions will include an unencapsulated tumor and often greatly enlarged islets of Langerhans. Identical foci may be present on surrounding mesentery.
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'''Adrenal-Associated Endocrinopathy'''
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AAE is a common disorder of middle aged and older ferrets and is a result of proliferative lesions in the adrenal cortex which secrete excess amounts of estrogenic hormones. This causes ferrets to exhibit a range of cutaneous, behavioural and reproductive signs and is technically a form of hyperadrenocorticism (although should not be confused with Cushing's disease). Only rarely are cortisol levels elevated. Metastasis can occur extremely late in the course of the disease resulting in adrenocorticol carcinoma. This is in contrast to the usual progression of the disease in dogs and cats.
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Gross lesions will include bilaterally symmetrical alopecia beginning over the tailhead and progressing cranially over the flanks and abdomen. The presence of an enlarged vulva in a spayed female is also strongly suggestive of AAE. The normal length of ferret adrenal glands is 3-5mm. Glands exceeding 5mm will often contain proliferative lesions. Diameters exceeding 1cm is highly suggestive of adrenocortical carcinoma. Microscopic lesions will include proliferative lesions within the adrenal cortex that can be catagorised into three stages; hyperplasia, adenoma and carcinoma. The presence of necrosis, cellular atypia and a high mitotic rate are suggestive of malignancy. The presence of a single nodule within the adrenal cortex without any other factors associated with cancer may indicate adenoma. The presence of multiple nodules without any other factors associated with cancer may indicate cortical hyperplasia.
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