Contributor: Charles Cummings, DVM CertAqV

Charles Cummings, DVM CertAqV

Charles Cummings is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Tufts University Clinical and Translational Science Institute, where he focuses on the clinical and epidemiological aspects of zoonotic disease, particularly at the interface of humans and wildlife. From July 2019 to June 2020, Dr. Cummings served as a zoological medicine intern at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Charles earned his Doctorate from Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in 2019…

Article 

Pancreatic Beta Cell Tumors in the Ferret

Pancreatic beta cell tumor or insulinoma is commonly seen in middle-aged to older pet ferrets in some nations, including the United States. This article reviews the common clinical picture as well as expected laboratory results. While there is no cure for beta cell tumors, surgical debulkment of the tumor with possible partial pancreatectomy is the treatment of choice. This treatment modality is discussed as well as medical management, which centers around corticosteroid and/or diazoxide administration.

Article 

Adrenocortical Disease in Ferrets

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.