Adrenal teratoma in four domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)

Teratomas are histologically complex neoplasms that are composed of structu res derived from multiple germ cell layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoder m). These neoplasms are uncommon in domestic animals and are usually found in the gonads. This paper describes teratomas of the adrenal gland in four domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo). Three of four of the neoplasms co ntained tissues from ectodermal, mesodermal, and endodermal germ cell layer s; two of four contained rudimentary teeth, in one case, malignant epitheli al cells had metastasized to local lymph nodes. Teratomas, although uncommo n, should be included in the differential diagnosis for adrenal neoplasms i n domestic ferrets.