Lymphoma in the Ferret: An Overview of Diagnosis and Treatment

Date: June 26, 2010; references updated April 10, 2012; updated April 3, 2023

By: Lucile Chassang, DVM

Reviewed by: Jennifer Graham, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DABVP (Exotic Companion Mammal Practice), DACZM

Keywords: , , , , , ,

Categories: Ferret,  Mammals, 

Key Points

  • Lymphoma is one of the most common diseases in the domestic ferret.
  • Although a juvenile and adult form have been described historically, today classification is based on localization and phenotype of infiltrates (e.g., lymphocytic or lymphoblastic, T- or B-cells).
  • The most commonly involved organs are lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and gastrointestinal tract.
  • Clinical disease is nonspecific and depends on the localization of lesions.
  • Diagnostics should include hematology, serum biochemistry, diagnostic imaging, such as radiography and ultrasonography, and cytology of affected tissues.
  • Definitive diagnosis relies upon histopathology of affected tissues.
  • Chemotherapy is indicated in many cases. At this point, no conclusive information exists to indicate that any one treatment is superior for most cases, and controlled studies are decidedly lacking.

Lymphoma is one of the most commonly diagnosed diseases in the domestic ferret. Hemolymphatic tumors are the third most common neoplasm described in ferrets, with lymphoma representing from 8.6% to 19.3% of ferret neoplasms in retrospective studies. Ferrets of any age or sex can be affected, with lymphoma described in patients as young as 2 months. A recent retrospective found 5 years as the median age of diagnosis in ferrets treated for lymphoma, and was the same for small, intermediate, and large cell lymphomas . . .

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To cite this page:

Chassang L. Lymphoma in the ferret: An overview of diagnosis and treatment. April 3, 2023. LafeberVet Web site. Available at https://lafeber.com/vet/lymphoma-in-the-ferret-an-overview-of-diagnosis-and-treatment/