Ferrets with neck abscesses and salivary gland infection

Abstract

Abstract Background Pseudomonas spp. bacteria are uncommonly reported as pathogens in small exotic companion mammals. Pseudomonas luteola infections have been reported as a potential emergent disease in ferrets in Europe, but have not been reported in North America. Case Description Two pet adult male castrated ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) were presented for firm cervical swellings, lethargy, and decreased appetite. Clinical Findings Diagnostic imaging, culture, and cytology were performed in both cases, and revealed abscessation closely associated with a mandibular salivary gland. Cytologically, both samples contained small, oval to round, rod-like organisms with a nonstaining capsule. Aerobic bacterial culture of both cases yielded the growth of P. luteola, which was sensitive to enrofloxacin. Ferrets were treated with enrofloxacin, and meloxicam. One ferret underwent surgical debridement, and flushing of the abscess site, and fully recovered. One ferret was treated medically and was euthanized after recurrence of the abscess. Conclusion and Case Relevance Based on these cases, aggressive medical management with the potential for surgical intervention should be strongly considered for abscessation secondary to P. luteola infections in ferrets. Positive organism identification and appropriate selection of antimicrobial therapy based on culture and sensitivity should be performed for suspected bacterial infections in ferrets. Prior to this report, P. luteola in ferrets has not been reported in the North America and may be an emergent pathogen in this species.