Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ferret brain abscess from tooth infection treated with surgery
By Vargas, Miriam et al.·Published in Veterinary Record Case Reports·2025·Department of Neurology Hospital Veterinari Canis Girona Girona Spain, Spain·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: Craniectomy as a surgical treatment of a brain abscess secondary to a maxillary molar tooth abscess in a ferret ( Mustela putorius furo)
- Species:
- rodent
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old male ferret was brought to the vet because he was acting strangely, unable to walk properly, and had stiffness in his limbs. He had a history of an abscess near his eye and had been lethargic for a week. After imaging tests showed a tooth abscess and a brain abscess, the vet performed surgery to remove the affected tooth and the brain abscess. The day after surgery, the ferret was more alert and showed signs of improvement. Four weeks later, he was back to normal neurologically, although he later needed additional surgery for ongoing sinus issues. Unfortunately, he passed away 1 year and 7 months later due to unrelated complications.
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Abstract
Abstract A 5‐year‐old, neutered, male ferret was presented with altered mentation, non‐ambulatory tetraparesis and decerebrate rigidity. The ferret had a history of a subcutaneous abscess around the left eye and a 1‐week history of apathy and vestibulocerebellar ataxia. Head computed tomography revealed a tooth 209 abscess, non‐destructive rhinosinusitis and an intracranial abscess. Tooth 209 extraction, nasal flushing and craniectomy were performed. The intracranial abscess was excised, and Proteus mirabilis was cultured. The day after surgery, the ferret was alert and improved gradually, presenting only sporadic sneezing. Four weeks postoperatively, neurological examination was normal. Five months later, sinus trepanation and rhinostomy were performed due to persistent rhinosinusitis. The ferret died 1 year and 7 months after initial presentation, and postmortem examination revealed rhinitis and pleuropneumonia with pyothorax. This case reveals the importance of recognising odontogenic infections that can cause intracranial abscesses and highlights the successful use of craniectomy in ferrets.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.1002/vrc2.70307