Did you know that ferrets can get cancer?

Most cancers in ferrets occur when they are older than three years of age. The three most common cancers are adrenal gland tumours, insulinoma and lymphoma. And these poor little guys. One in five ferrets will have more than one type of cancer!

ADRENAL GLAND TUMOURS are the most common endocrine cancer in ferrets. In dogs and cats, they commonly secrete cortisol. However, in ferrets, they tend to secrete sex hormones (even after ferrets have been desexed). The most common clinical signs are hair loss, increased sexual behaviour and swollen genitals. Treatment involves surgery or deslorelin implants, which are both associated with a median (average) survival time of more than one year.

INSULINOMA is another common endocrine cancer in ferrets that arises from the pancreas. In dogs, insulinoma is aggressive with a high chance of cancer spread (i.e. metastasis) to other areas in the body. However, in ferrets, they tend to be benign and rarely spread. The most common clinical signs are lethargy, star gazing, weakness in the back legs, drooling and pawing at the mouth. Most of the clinical signs resolve after the ferrets have been fed. Treatment involves surgery to remove the mass from the pancreas or the use of medical drugs (such as prednisolone and diazoxide), which are both associated with a median survival time of more than one year.

LYMPHOMA results from the abnormal proliferation of lymphocytes, which is a type of white blood cell involved in immunity. Just like dogs and cats, lymphoma can affect the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and can occur anywhere in the body. Most ferrets do not present with clinical signs of illness and lymphoma is found incidentally on routine physical examination, blood work or imaging. Depending on the location and how far the lymphoma has spread in the body, treatment involves surgery or chemotherapy. Treatment is not often curative, but ferrets can live on average around 6 to 12 months.

Veterinary Oncologists not only treat cats and dogs. We also treat horses, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, reptiles and all species of animals.

Vets, if you have a question about cancer in an exotic species, please do not hesitate to get in touch by ‘clicking here’.