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Ferrets (Laboratory) - Pathology (view source)
Revision as of 19:46, 4 March 2011
, 19:46, 4 March 2011no edit summary
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== Other ==
== Other ==
'''Cataracts''' <br> No definitive cause has been found for cataracts in ferrets and many cases are thought to be spontaneous. Cataractous chnages may also be seen in diabetic animals but often due to the short life span of ferrets, grossly visible cataracts are not common. <br> <br> Gross lesions will involve both the cortex and nucleus of the lens. Microscopic lesions will include the formation of balloon cells in the outer cortex initially, then progressing towards the nucleus of the lens. <br> <br> '''Neoplasia (Other than described above)''' <br> Neoplasms represent approximately 60% of surgical biopsies in ferrets with the majority being islet cell tumors, adrenal neoplasms, chordomas and skin tumors, all mentioned in the relevant sections above. There are others that are worth mentioning here. <u>Testicular neoplasms</u> are usually interstitial cell tumors and are often a combination of two or more neoplasms. The removal of cryptorchid testicles is very important in ferrets as at least one one neoplasm will always be found on a retained testicle. <u>Ovarian neoplasms</u> are tumors of germ cells or stromal cells. The second most commonly seen neoplasms are <u>Gastrointestinal neoplasms</u>. These are usually tumors of smooth muscle origin. Low-grade leiomyosarcommas are most commonly seen although mesotheliomas are sometimes seen in the peritoneum and serosal surfaces of ferrets. These mesotheliomas are locally aggressive and will result in marked abdominal effusion and often have a poor prognosis. <u>Pancreatic exocrine adenocarcinomas</u> are also found and these are also locally aggressive neoplasms. Within the musculoskeletal system, <u>Osteomas</u> have also been reported, arising from flat bones. These are expansile neoplasms composed of trabecular, well-differentiated bone and lined by osteoblasts. <u>Apocrine cysts</u> are also a common finding within the integumentary system of ferrets. These most commonly occur around the head, neck, prepuce and vulva due to the large number of scent glands in these areas. Apocrine gland carcinomas are also not uncommon and have a similar distribution. Apocrine carcinomas are locally aggressive neoplasms with a moderate potential for metastasis.
[[Category:Laboratory_Animal_Pathology]]
[[Category:Laboratory_Animal_Pathology]]