Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Thyroid cancer and multiple endocrine tumors in a ferret
By Fox, J. G. et al.·Published in Veterinary Pathology·2000·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: C-Cell Carcinoma (Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma) Associated with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasms in a Ferret (Mustela putorius)
- Species:
- rodent
Plain-English summary
A male ferret was brought to the vet because he was losing weight, eating less, and seemed less active. A firm mass was found in his thyroid area, but attempts to remove it through surgery didn't work, and sadly, the ferret was euthanized. Tests showed he had multiple tumors, including a type of thyroid cancer called C-cell carcinoma. This case is significant as it's the first documented instance of this specific cancer in ferrets, highlighting the need for awareness of such conditions in these pets.
People also search for: ferret weight loss · ferret thyroid cancer symptoms · ferret inappetence treatment
Abstract
A firm, infiltrative mass was found in the thyroid region of an adult castrated male ferret (Mustela putorius) presenting with vague signs of weight loss, minor inappetence, and decreased activity. Efforts to surgically excise the tissue were unsuccessful, and the animal was euthanatized. Gross and histopathologic evaluation revealed multiple endocrine neoplasms, including C-cell carcinoma, adrenocortical adenoma, pheochromocytoma, and endocrine tumor of the pancreas. This is the first descriptive account of a C-cell carcinoma, also known as medullary thyroid carcinoma, in a ferret, although other endocrine neoplasms in this species have been reported with some frequency. These findings mimic features observed in human multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.1354/vp.37-3-278