Endocrine diseases in ferrets

Abstract

SUMMARY Endocrine diseases are among the most commonly seen conditions in ferrets. Tumours of the islet cells in the pancreas, referred to as insulinomas, and tumours of the adrenal glands, referred to as hyperadrenocorticism, are more commonly described in this species than in any other species. Insulinomas are predominantly benign, insulin-producing tumours which cause hypoglycaemia and associated clinical signs, such as weakness of the hind limbs, a glazed look in the eyes and/ or coma. Due to their small size, visualisation of insulinomas is difficult, rendering measurement of blood glucose as the primary diagnostic tool. The condition can be managed both surgically as well as medically. After diagnosis, the average survival is one year due to the appearance of new islet cell tumours. Hyperadrenocorticism is even more common than insulinomas. The clinical signs, which result from increased plasma concentrations of androgens and oestrogen, are most frequently seen in neutered animals and include return of sexual behaviour, signs of oestrous in females and difficulty urinating in males due to the pathology of the prostate. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs in combination with identifying the affected gland during an ultrasonographic examination. Surgery as well as hormonal therapy are treatment options which are discussed. Keywords: Insulinoma, hypoglycaemia, hyperadrenocorticism, adrenal gland, Mustela putorius furo, androgen