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Ferrets (Laboratory) - Pathology (view source)
Revision as of 19:46, 2 March 2011
, 19:46, 2 March 2011→Endocrine System
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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.
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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'''Diabetes Mellitus'''
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Diabetes mellitus is an uncommon disease in ferrets. Affected animals can have blood glucose levels ranging from 500-725g/dl. Polydipsia, polyuria, glucosuria and loss of body condition are suggestive clinical symptoms.
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There are no gross lesions associated with diabetes mellitus. Microscopic lesions may include glycogenic vacuolation of the islets of Langerhans and this is the most indicative lesion for diabetes mellitus. Glycogen accumulation may also be seen in renal tubular epithelium. It has also been noted in some cases that ferrets may have lenticular (cloudy) cataracts.
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