Chondrosarcoma Associated With the Appendicular Skeleton of 2 Domestic Ferrets

Successful treatment of forelimb osteochondroma in a ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

A 1-year-old male neutered ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was evaluated for an abnormal left cubital joint. Radiographs demonstrated a proliferative osseous lesion of the left proximal antebrachium. Computed tomography confirmed a large thin-walled expansile osseous lesion of the left proximal radius and identified multifocal proliferative lesions of the axial spine, two of which caused spinal cord compression. A left forelimb amputation with total scapulectomy was performed. Histopathology revealed a well-demarcated mass with a thin rim of mature lamellar bone and a discontinuous cartilage cap covered by a perichondrial/periosteal membrane continuous with the adjacent bone. Findings were most consistent with an osteochondroma or osteochondromatosis (i.e., multiple cartilaginous exostoses, hereditary multiple exostoses). No evidence of malignant transformation was observed within this specimen. Three months post-surgery, verbal correspondence with the owner confirmed return to normal activity level and no emergence of neurological signs. Repeat examination and imaging were recommended.

Ferret Oncology: Diseases, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics

Neoplastic disease is common in ferrets. Approximately half of all tumors diagnosed in ferrets are located in the endocrine or hemolymphatic system. Many factors may influence the choice of treatment. Medical management of adrenal tumors has a greater disease-free period compared to adrenalectomy. In ferrets with an insulinoma, no difference is seen in the mean survival time of medically and surgically treated patients. Aside from medical and surgical treatment modalities, chemotherapy and radiation therapy have also been described in ferrets in other types of tumors. The outcome of these treatment modalities is not always favorable.