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Adrenocortical Disease - Ferret (view source)
Revision as of 15:37, 16 July 2011
, 15:37, 16 July 2011→Diagnosis
Further investigation should include:
Further investigation should include:
:'''Haematology and biochemistry''': in severe cases, pancytopenia may be present due to oestrogen toxicosis and myelosuppression. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels are frequently elevated.
:'''Haematology and biochemistry''': in severe cases, pancytopenia may be present due to oestrogen toxicosis and myelosuppression. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels are frequently elevated. The ACTH stimulation test and the Dexamethasone suppression test are useless in ferrets because, unlike in dogs, their disease is rarely associated with an increase in cortisol levels.
The ACTH stimulation test and the Dexamethasone suppression test are useless in ferrets because, unlike in dogs, their disease is rarely associated with an increase in cortisol levels.
:'''Sex hormone diagnostic panel''': A diagnostic test is available through the University of Tennessee which measures levels of estradiol, androstenedione and 17-hydroxyprogesterone, which are the most commonly elevated sex hormones in adrenal disease of ferrets. This diagnostic panel has consistently identified ferrets with adrenal disease.
:'''Sex hormone diagnostic panel''': A diagnostic test is available through the University of Tennessee which measures levels of estradiol, androstenedione and 17-hydroxyprogesterone, which are the most commonly elevated sex hormones in adrenal disease of ferrets. This diagnostic panel has consistently identified ferrets with adrenal disease.
:'''Abdominal ultrasonography''': this can reveal enlarged adrenal glands and enables any concurrent abdominal problems ([[insulinoma]], splenic enlargement) to be identified.
:'''Abdominal ultrasonography''': this can reveal enlarged adrenal glands and enables any concurrent abdominal problems ([[insulinoma]], splenic enlargement) to be identified. It has been found that only one adrenal gland was affected in 84% of diseased ferrets and that the '''left adrenal''' was most commonly affected.
It has been found that only one adrenal gland was affected in 84% of diseased ferrets and that the '''left adrenal''' was most commonly affected.
:'''Exploratory laparotomy''': direct visualisation of the adrenal glands is also an option and an incisional or excisional biopsy can then be performed.
:'''Exploratory laparotomy''': direct visualisation of the adrenal glands is also an option and an incisional or excisional biopsy can then be performed.