UNILATERAL ADRENALECTOMY AS A TREATMENT FOR ADRENOCORTICAL TUMORS IN FERRETS - 5 CASES (1990-1992)

Adrenocortical tumors were diagnosed in 5 adult spayed ferrets. Four f errets had bilaterally symmetrical alopecia of the caudal femoral regi on, abdomen, and tail, and 1 had alopecia of the distal limbs and feet . All 5 ferrets had vulvar swelling. During abdominal ultrasonography, irregular masses, believed to involve the adrenal glands, were seen i n all 5 ferrets. Unilateral adrenalectomy was performed successfully i n each ferret by use of ventral midline celiotomy. On histologic exami nation of biopsy samples, 4 ferrets were found to have adrenocortical adenomas, and 1 ferret was found to have an adrenocortical adenocarcin oma. All clinical signs resolved after adrenalectomy, suggesting that the adrenocortical tumors had been secreting adrenocortical hormones.