CUTANEOUS EPITHELIOTROPIC LYMPHOMA IN A FERRET

An 8-year-old spayed female ferret was examined for diffuse generalize d alopecia, erythema, erosions, crusts, and ulcerated plaques that wer e nonresponsive to long-term administration of corticosteroids. Cutane ous epitheliotropic lymphoma was diagnosed on the basis of histologic examination of skin biopsy specimens. Neoplastic cells were determined to be of T-lymphocytic origin by results of immunohistochemical stain ing with a rabbit anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody Additional laboratory a bnormalities detected included anemia, azotemia, isosthenuria, pyuria, and bacteriuria. Treatment included isotretinoin and amoxicillin trih ydrate plus clavulanate potassium administered orally and oatmeal-base d shampoos. Isotretinoin was tolerated well and cutaneous lesions reso lved after 60 days of treatment, but pretreatment azotemia worsened an d the ferret was euthanatized. Necropsy revealed cutaneous epitheliotr opic lymphoma, pyelonephritis, and interstitial nephritis. Renal disea se most likely was caused by immunosuppression secondary to chronic tr eatment with corticosteroids and aging. Isotretinoin, although not cur ative, may be useful for the palliative treatment of cutaneous epithel iotropic lymphoma in ferrets.