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Ferrets (especially those over 3 years old) are predisposed to several different types of cancers, but there are three that are the most common.

Adrenal Tumors

The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys and regulate the production of the body's own steroids. The most common clinical sign associated with adrenal tumors is hair loss/balding starting with the hind end of the body and progressing forward. Diagnosis is based upon exploratory surgery of the abdomen and treatment usually requires surgery. This type of tumor is slowly progressive; but can occur simultaneously with insulinomas--one of the other three most common tumors seen in ferrets.

Insulinomas

Insulinomas are tumors present in the pancreas-the cells that normally secret insulin-which help to regulate blood sugar. Tumors involving these cells can result in too low of blood sugar called "hypoglycemia". The most common clinical signs seen with insulinomas are intermittent bouts of weakness and lethargy. As the disease progresses, it can result in coma, seizures and death. Diagnosis is based upon laboratory evaluation of blood samples and exploratory surgery (to rule out simultaneous adrenal tumors). Treatment usually requires surgery and aftercare can involve dietary management and medication.

Lymphosarcomas

The third most common cancer in ferrets is lymphosarcoma-cancer of the lymph nodes. The most common clinical sign is enlarged lymph nodes anywhere on the body-but can show up as just recurrent fevers, lethargy and unexplained weight loss. Diagnosis is based upon histopathology (microscopic examination of a lymph node that has been biopsied or various body fluids). Treatment for most cases involved chemotherapy and ferrets have a high tolerance for chemotherapy and do quite well.

There are many other forms of cancer that ferrets can be host to, too many to list. Any abnormal growth, behavioral pattern or change in routine should be a signal to take your ferret to the veterinarian and examined. Most diseases have a better prognosis if they are caught and treated early in the course of the disease.

For more information about each specific form of cancer in ferrets; please refer back to the Drug and Disease Library under "Small Animals" and look up the specific form of cancer.