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Ferrets (Laboratory) - Pathology (view source)
Revision as of 17:54, 2 March 2011
, 17:54, 2 March 2011→Integument System
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Gross lesions can include agenesis of the skin and musculature overlaying various areas of the skull and/or the spinal cord. There is also often a degree of nerual tissue loss associated with these lesions. Microscopic lesions can include fusion or deformation of the vertebrae.
Gross lesions can include agenesis of the skin and musculature overlaying various areas of the skull and/or the spinal cord. There is also often a degree of nerual tissue loss associated with these lesions. Microscopic lesions can include fusion or deformation of the vertebrae.
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==Endocrine System==
'''Islet Cell Tumors'''
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Islet cell tumors are the most common form of neoplasia in ferrets and generally result in hypoglycemia as a result of inappropriate insulin secretion. Clinical signs will include lethargy, stupor, ataxia, coma and eventually death. Non-functional islet cell tumors are usually seen in older animals at necropsy. These tumors are all potentially malignant but few are metastatic, which is in contrast to islet cell tumors in canines and felines.
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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.
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===Abscesses===
===Abscesses===
==Reproductive System==
==Reproductive System==