Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.46419/vs.52.6.10

Diagnostics and Treatment of Insulinomas in Ferrets - A Retrospective Study

Martina Crnogaj ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Croatia
Leona Viličić ; Veterinary Clinic Blue Dot, Zagreb, Croatia
Darko Grden ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Croatia
Gabrijela Jurkić ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Croatia
Jelena Gotić ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Croatia
Iva Šmit ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

The endocrine system is the most common site of tumor formation in ferrets. Insulinomas are usually functional, neuroendocrine tumors of the β cells of the pancreas. In terms of incidence they are in first place, while tumors of the adrenal gland are in second place. Chronic hypoglycemia is characteristic for this disease, as are clinical symptoms such as ataxia of the hind limbs, lethargy, and collapse. The severity of clinical symptoms increases as the disease progresses, finally appearing as irreversible cerebral lesions. Diagnostics are based on a combination of characteristic clinical symptoms and a low concentration of glucose in the blood. Therapy is medical or surgical, or a combination
both. As veterinarians, we have to explain to owners that a permanent cure is not possible, that is, that the goal of the treatment is to stabilize the patient over a period of time. This study was conducted on 50 ferrets, which accounted for 17,5% of all admitted and examined ferrets, at the Clinic for Internal Diseases, at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagreb, over a period of 8 years, and who were diagnosed with a insulinoma. A mild sexual predisposition (in the favor of males) was noticed, and the disease was found to be more common in geriatric ferrets. The most common symptoms observed were ataxia of the hind limbs, lethargy, collapse, loss of weight, and loss of appetite. Based on diagnostic data, we have confirmed that the most common diagnostic procedure was measuring the blood glucose level, while medical therapy with glucocorticoids was the most common treatment method.

Keywords

ferret; insulinoma; concentrations of glucose in blood; chronic hypoglycemia; medical treatment

Hrčak ID:

256137

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/256137

Publication date:

2.5.2021.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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