Hyperadrenocorticism In Ferrets Flashcards
1
Q
Pathogenesis of hyperadrenocorticism in ferrets
A
- early neutering and neutering in general (-> ^GnRH -> ^LH/FSH)
- 2* over expression adrenal cortex of LH receptors
> alternative to neutering GnRH deslorelin implants less risk of hyperadrenocorticism
2
Q
Clinical picture of hyperadrenocorticism in ferrets
A
- symmetrical alopecia starting Spring
- vulval enlargement in jills, return of sexual behaviour in Hobbs
- pruritis
- more severe cases = urethral obstruction in hobs, gynecomastia and mammary neoplasia in jills)
- PDF dermal tumours and thrombocytopenia
3
Q
Diagnostic AIDS for HAC in ferrets
A
- Haem and biochem NORMAL
- radiography NORMAL
- abdo ultrasound may demonstrate enlarged adrenal with normal contralateral
- serum hormone estimations expecting elevations in androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, estrodiol $$$$ expensive, so not useful general practice
> difficult to dx as Clin path usually Normal
4
Q
What is the important hormone causing problems in HAC in ferrets?
A
Sex steroids
5
Q
Why is testing for serum hormone levels not commonly measured in practice?
A
- expensive
6
Q
Tx
A
- surgical removal (generally unilateral)
- mitotane
- ketoconazole
- trilostane
7
Q
Prevention
A
Consider Tx with gnrh agonists rather than castration (as more common problem with early neutering)
- deslorelin slow release implant
8
Q
Characteristics of hyperadrenocorticism in ferrets
A
- middle aged/older ferrets
- NORMAL PITUITARY GLAND
- marked adrenomegaly (usually unilateral, can be bi)
- may be d/t hyperplasia, adenomas or adrenocarcinoma
9
Q
How does HAC in ferrets differ from other animals?
A
Adrenal gland disease that is = to HAC but WITHOUT increased cortisol secretion
10
Q
Which endocrinopathies do ferrets commonly get?
A
> HAC - signs more d/t sex steroid production. > endocrine pancreatic disorders - insulinomas - diabetes mellitis
