Adrenocortical Disease in Ferrets

Date: January 11, 2010; updated May 22, 2022 and March 8, 2023

By: Charles Cummings, DVM CertAqV

Reviewed by: Cathy Johnson-Delaney, DVM and Nico Schoemaker, DVM, PhD, DECZM (Small Mammal & Avian)

Keywords: , , , , , , , , , ,

Categories: Ferret,  Mammals, 

Key Points

  • Hyperadrenocorticism is a common condition of domestic ferrets, typically affecting middle-aged to older individuals.
  • Hyperadrenocorticism in ferrets is not Cushing’s disease, as it is not caused by increased cortisol, but an elevation in sex steroid hormones instead.
  • One of the most common clinical signs of hyperadrenocorticism in ferrets is progressive alopecia of the tail, tail base, and trunk.
  • Vulvar enlargement may be seen in spayed females with hyperadrenocorticism.
  • Male ferrets may present with a history of stranguria or urinary tract obstruction due to prostatomegaly.
  • Experienced ultrasonographers can detect adrenomegaly (width > 3-3.5 mm) or abnormal adrenal architecture. In males, prostatic changes include cysts, urethral impingement, and prostatomegaly.
  • Hormone panels are also available. Most affected ferrets have elevated levels of estradiol, androstenedione, and/or 17α-hydroxyprogesterone.
  • Medical therapy using deslorelin implants, though not curative, is recommended. Ferrets may remain asymptomatic for a median of 1-1.5 years per implant.
  • Adrenalectomy may be indicated in case non-responsiveness to medical treatment, although adrenalectomy of the right adrenal gland is difficult.

Hyperadrenocorticism is a common and complex clinical condition in the pet ferret. This disease occurs most frequently in ferrets three years or older but has been reported in animals as young as one year of age. Presumptive diagnosis of adrenal disease in the ferret is based on history, clinical signs, imaging diagnostics, and steroid hormone analysis. Medical therapy using deslorelin implants, though not curative, is recommended. Ferrets may remain asymptomatic for a median of 1-1.5 years. Adrenalectomy may be indicated in case non-responsiveness to medical treatment, although adrenalectomy of the right adrenal gland is difficult . . .

To continue you need to be a LafeberVet.com member. (Français), (Español)

Pour continuer, vous devez être un membre LafeberVet.com

Para continuar, debe ser miembro de LafeberVet.com

Already a LafeberVet Member?

Please Login

References


1. Avallone G, Forlani A, Tecilla M, et al. Neoplastic diseases in the domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) in Italy: classification and tissue distribution of 856 cases (2000-2010). BMC Vet Res. 2016;12(1):275. doi: 10.1186/s12917-016-0901-7. PMID: 27919252; PMCID: PMC5139086.


2. Beeber NL. Surgical management of adrenal tumors and insulinomas in ferrets. J Exotic PetMed. 2011;20(3):206-216. doi: 10.1053/j.jepm.2011.04.006.


3. Besso JG, Tidwell AS, Gliatto JM. Retrospective review of the ultrasonographic features of adrenal lesions in 21 ferrets. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2000;41(4):345-352. doi:10.1111/j.1740-8261.2000.tb02086.x.


4. Calicchio KW, Bennett RA, Laraio LC, et al. Collateral circulation in ferrets (Mustela putorius) during temporary occlusion of the caudal vena cava. Am J Vet Res. 2016;77(5):540-7. doi: 10.2460/ajvr.77.5.540. PMID: 27111022.


5. Chen S. Advanced diagnostic approaches and current medical management of insulinomas and adrenocortical disease in ferrets (Mustela putorius furo). Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2010;13(3):439-52. doi: 10.1016/j.cvex.2010.05.002. PMID: 20682429.


6. Chen S, Michels D, Culpepper E. Nonsurgical management of hyperadrenocorticism in ferrets. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2014;17(1):35-49. doi: 10.1016/j.cvex.2013.09.001. Epub 2013 Nov 6. PMID: 24274921.


7. Coleman GD, Chavez MA, Williams BH. Cystic prostatic disease associated with adrenocortical lesions in the ferret (Mustela putorius furo). Vet Pathol. 1998;35(6):547-9. doi: 10.1177/030098589803500612. PMID: 9823599.


8. de Jong MK, Schoemaker NJ, Mol JA. Expression of sfrp1 and activation of the Wnt pathway in the adrenal glands of healthy ferrets and neutered ferrets with hyperadrenocorticism. Vet J. 2013;196(2):176-80. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.09.022. Epub 2012 Oct 30. PMID: 23117029.


9. Householder HM, Cassmann ED, White R, et al. Paraplegia in a domestic ferret (Mustela Putorius Furo) secondary to metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma with myxoid differentiation. J Exot Pet Med. 2019;29:63-69. doi: 10.1053/j.jepm.2018.10.006. Epub 2018 Nov 20. PMID: 32288686; PMCID: PMC7106172.


10. Huynh M, Chassang L, Zoller G. Evidence-based advances in ferret medicine. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2017 Sep;20(3):773-803. doi: 10.1016/j.cvex.2017.04.009. PMID: 28781033.


11. Jallageas M, Boissin J, Mas N. Differential photoperiodic control of seasonal variations in pulsatile luteinizing hormone release in long-day (ferret) and short-day (mink) mammals. J Biol Rhythms. 1994;9(3-4):217-31. doi: 10.1177/074873049400900304. PMID: 7772791.


12. Jekl V, Casale S. Soft tissue surgery: In: Quesenberry KE, Orcutt CJ, Mans C, Carpenter JW (eds). Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents, 4th ed. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders; 2021:435-438, 443.


13. Johnson-Delaney CA. Geriatric ferrets. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2020;23(3):549-565. doi: 10.1016/j.cvex.2020.04.002. Epub 2020 Jun 3. PMID: 32505476.


14. Köbrunner D, Waiblinger S, Stetina BU, et al. Insight into husbandry conditions, health, and behavior of pet ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) among German-speaking ferret owners. J Vet Behav 2020;37(May-June):8-19. doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2020.03.003.


15. Lennox AM, Wagner R. Comparison of 4.7-mg deslorelin implants and surgery for the treatment of adrenocortical disease in ferrets. J Exotic Pet Med 2012;21(4):332-335. doi: 10.1053/j.jepm.2012/09.001.


16. Martínez-Jiménez D, Chary P, Barron HW, et al. Cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex in two female ferrets (Mustela putorius furo). J Exotic Pet Med 2009;18(1):62-70. doi: 10.1053/j.jepm.2008.10.008.


17. Miller LA, Fagerstone KA, Wagner RA, et al. Use of a GnRH vaccine, GonaCon, for prevention and treatment of adrenocortical disease (ACD) in domestic ferrets. Vaccine. 2013;31(41):4619-23. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.07.035. Epub 2013 Jul 29. PMID: 23906891.


18. Miwa Y, Kurosawa A, Ogawa H, et al. Neoplasitic diseases in ferrets in Japan: a questionnaire study for 2000 to 2005. J Vet Med Sci. 2009;71(4):397-402. doi: 10.1292/jvms.71.397. PMID: 19420840.


19. Mor N, Qualls CW Jr, Hoover JP. Concurrent mammary gland hyperplasia and adrenocortical carcinoma in a domestic ferret. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1992;201(12):1911-2. PMID: 1483915.


20. Murray J. Melatonin implants: an option for use in the treatment of adrenal disease in ferrets. Journal of Exotic Mammal Medicine and Surgery. 2005;3(1):1-6.


21. O’Brien RT, Paul‐Murphy J, Dubielzig RR. Ultrasonography of adrenal glands in normal ferrets. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 1996;37(6):445-448. doi:10.1111/j.1740-8261.1996.tb01258.x.


22. Protain HJ, Kutzler MA, Valentine BA. Assessment of cytologic evaluation of preputial epithelial cells as a diagnostic test for detection of adrenocortical disease in castrated ferrets. Am J Vet Res. 2009;70(5):619-23. doi: 10.2460/ajvr.70.5.619. PMID: 19405901.


23. Ramer JC, Benson KG, Morrisey JK, O’Brien RT, Paul-Murphy J. Effects of melatonin administration on the clinical course of adrenocortical disease in domestic ferrets. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2006;229(11):1743-8. doi: 10.2460/javma.229.11.1743. PMID: 17144819.


24. Reavill DR, Imai DM. Pathology of diseases of geriatric exotic mammals. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2020;23(3):651-684. doi: 10.1016/j.cvex.2020.06.002. PMID: 32778232.


25. Schoemaker NJ. Ferret oncology: diseases, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2017 Jan;20(1):183-208. doi: 10.1016/j.cvex.2016.07.004. PMID: 27890288.


25b. Schoemaker NJ. Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists and other contraceptive medications in exotic  companion animals. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2018;21(2):443-464. doi: 10.1016/j.cvex.2018.01.011. PMID: 29655478.


26. Schoemaker NJ, van Zeeland YRA. Endocrine diseases of ferrets. In: Quesenberry KE, Orcutt CJ, Mans C, Carpenter JW (eds). Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents, 4th Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders; 2021:77-91.


27. Shiga T, Nakata M, Miwa Y, et al. A retrospective study (2006-2020) of cytology and biopsy findings in pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) and four-toed hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) seen at an exotic animal clinic in Tokyo, Japan. J Exotic Pet Med 2021;38:11-17. doi: 10.1053/j.jepm.2021.03.008.


28. Swiderski JK, Seim HB 3rd, MacPhail CM, et al. Long-term outcome of domestic ferrets treated surgically for hyperadrenocorticism: 130 cases (1995-2004). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2008; 232(9):1338-43. doi: 10.2460/javma.232.9.1338. PMID: 18447778.


29. Vilalta L, Altuzarra R, Molina J, et al. Chylous ascites in 2 ferrets. J Exotic Pet Med. 2017;26(2):150-155. doi: 10.1053/j.jepm.2017.01.024.


30. Wagner RA, Finkler MR, Fecteau KA, et al. The treatment of adrenal cortical disease in ferrets with 4.7-mg deslorelin acetate implants. J Exotic Pet Med 2009;18(2):146-152. doi: 10.1053/j.jepm.2008.11/003.


31. Weiss CA, Scott MV. Clinical aspects and surgical treatment of hyperadrenocorticism in the domestic ferret: 94 cases (1994-1996). J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 1997;33(6):487-93. doi: 10.5326/15473317-33-6-487. PMID: 9358415.


32. Williams BH, Wyre NR. Neoplasia in ferrets. In: Quesenberry KE, Orcutt CJ, Mans C, Carpenter JW (eds). Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents, 4th Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders; 2020:92-108.

 

Further reading

Bakthavatchalu V, Muthupalani S, Marini RP, Fox JG. Endocrinopathy and aging in Ferrets. Vet Pathol. 2016;53(2):349-65. doi: 10.1177/0300985815623621. PMID: 26936751; PMCID: PMC5397995.

Neuwirth L, Collins B, Calderwood-Mays M, Tran T. Adrenal ultrasonography correlated with histopathology in ferrets. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 1997;38(1):69-74. doi: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.1997.tb01606.x. PMID: 9238774.

To cite this page:

Cummings C. Adrenocortical disease in ferrets. LafeberVet Web site. March 8, 2023. Available at  https://lafeber.com/vet/adrenocortical-disease-in-ferrets/