February 1999 Newsletter

Lymphatic Cancers

discovered ferrets. It seems Dr. Brawley had found his calling. Working with domesticated animals in the pet store, inspired him to return to school and study veterinary medicine. He went to KSU for four years and then finished at Oregon.

Upon graduating from Oregon, he set up a practice in Portland for 9 1/2 years. He saw a lot of ferrets in that time, most of his ferret patients being refugees from nearby California. He did not start off working with ferrets, but by the time he left, he was seeing more ferrets than anyone else there. Because his clinic charged rates that were lower than his competitors, he was able to see a lot of different problems our domestic ferrets have.

Lymphatic cancers are one of the health issues Dr. Brawley has seen in his years as a ferret knowledgeable vet. Cancer can be defined as cells that have gone haywire and do not function as normal cells. Some cancers appear to do no harm other than take up space in the already limited ferret body. This can result in organs being squeezed painfully and ultimately to the failure of the squeezed organ. Often times this results in the death of the ferret. Dr. Brawley stated that these particular cancers are better left in the ferret, unless the growth is overcrowding the other organs next to it. Once it is that large, then surgery would be necessary.

Neoplasia means new growth and is used to describe the growth of cancerous cells. It can be seen throughout the body of the ferret including the immune system, which is the body's main line of defensive against disease. The three main areas of the immune system are the Neutrophils (PMNs), lymphatic system, and monocytes and macrophages. Neutrophils are the first line of defense in the immune system. Because these cells have a short life span, they seldomly develop neoplasia.

The lymphatic system includes the thymus, bone marrow, tonsils, lymph nodes, and the spleen which helps produce lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are a specialized white blood cell that helps produce antibodies. Cancer in the thymus is seen usually in young animals. This may be due to the fact that the thymus is highly active in young, growing animals.

Monocytes are large white blood cells that are formed in the bone marrow and the spleen. They circulate in the blood as a mobile line of defense in the body. Monocytes may become macrophages by entering tissue. Some macrophages are found in the bloodstream, but most are located in connective tissue. Occasionally surface tissue macrophages containing histamines granules develop into mast cell tumors.

There is a lot of speculation as to the causes of lymphoma in ferrets. Like humans, some ferrets might have a genetic predisposition to certain cancers. There is speculation that there maybe a viral agent in some cancers, as siblings or cohabiting ferrets are sometimes affected by the same cancer. In young cats there has been a link established between virus and thymus cancer. There also might be environmental factors that could lead to cancer. Some of these might be pollution, pesticides, and prolonged daylight due to artificial light. Dr. Brawley feels that there is something that is causing a decreased immune system. This reduced immune system allows foreign particles and infectious microorganisms to enter the body and grow.

The symptoms of lymphatic cancers in ferrets depend on where the neoplasia is located. Leukemia, which is a cancer of the bone marrow, is rare in ferrets. So rare in fact that Dr. Brawley has not seen a ferret with leukemia in his nine years as a vet. Leukemia originates in the bone marrow. It causes immature /cancerous non-functional lymphocytes to enter the bloodstream. These useless cells crowd out the needed cells, and starves the body for nutrients that are carried by the blood.

Mesenteric/intestinal lymph nodes cancer produces chronic wasting, hypoglycemia, and seizures. It is found by palpating a mass in the abdomen, other than the spleen. When cancer occurs in the peripheral lymph nodes (the ones closest to the skin-in the neck, armpits, and behind the knees), it is almost always found in all of them. There is almost always a noticeable swelling in these areas.

Thymus neoplasia occurs in young ferrets. It is similar to FLV in cats as it is fast growing and has a suspected viral connection. Cancer in the thymus usually cramps the lungs, making it difficult for a ferret to breathe.

Thoracic lymph node cancer tend to occur along the esophagus and the lungs. Coughing is associated with this, so there is a build-up of fluid in the chest (most likely caused by a lymphatic duct rupturing). The fluid can put pressure on the lungs and restrict the chest, thus not allowing enough space for lung expansion.

The spleen is the most reactive organ in ferrets. It reacts to all infections and whenever there is a suppression of red blood cell production. Therefore enlarged spleens are common. A symptom of neoplasia in the spleen is a chronic wasting.

If cancer is found in the liver, it has originated elsewhere in the body. It generally results in liver dysfunction, which is evident by chronic wasting, lethargy, and generally just "feeling bad" moods. This is due to the fact that the ferrets body is slowly poisoning itself. The liver is the main filter in the body and if it is malfunctioning, the waste from the body is not leaving.

Cancer can be found anywhere on a ferret and the worst that Dr. Brawley has seen is a tumor behind and above the eye. It was very aggressive and quickly spread through the whole body. Unfortunately, the ferret died before the report came back on the cancer.

Diagnosis usually is done in one of three ways. The needle biopsy is used on peripheral masses. Cells are extracted from the suspected area and then placed under a microscope to determine whether they are normal or not. Exploratory is used to find out more information on a particular mass or area of the body. It is similar to surgery as the animal must be anesthetized and there will most likely be stitches. Radiography is used to search for lumps in the chest and abdomen. It uses X-rays to take a picture of the insides, while ultrasound uses soundwaves to find problems that might not show up on an X-ray. Ultrasounds are generally used on the abdomen and spleen.

Treatment of lymphatic cancer may involve surgery, chemotherapy, or medicine. Many times these treatments are used together, like surgery and medicine. If there is a single lump present, surgery can prove to be the most beneficial method. Unfortunately, if the cancer was the result of a viral contaminant, then the cancer will come back. Chemotherapy is another way of treating cancer. It is not pleasant as some of the side effects are naesau and vomiting. Again if it was caused by a virus, the cancer will return after treatments have stopped.

Prednisone/Prednisolone are currently the main types of medicines prescribed to ferrets with cancer. They inhibit growth in the cancer and in some cases even cause the cancer to shrink, allowing the body to function normally. Added benefits to this are a stimulation of appetite (which might have been depressed due to the cancer) and a rise of blood sugar levels. This can be dangerous to a ferret that has diabetes, if you suspect your ferret has diabetes, inform your vet prior to this type of a treatment.

Dr. Brawley states that the prognosis for ferrets with lymphatic cancer is poor. Treatment mainly gives the owners time to adjust to the reality of loosing their ferret. During this time he suggests that you also make arrangements to help the surviving ferrets in your house with the imminent death of their playmate. He cautioned getting a new playmate because if the cancer might have a viral connection then you could possibly expose your new arrival to the virus, resulting in the spreading of the cancer to a new ferret.

PRESIDENT & VICE PRESIDENT NEEDED

We are needing some members who are interested in filling some vacant officer positions. If you are interested, please email: president@texasferret.org or call the club at 817 498 1470 and leave a message. While our current officers are a talented group, they cannot do everything we need to do as a club. Your help is needed!

SOME NEW THOUGHTS ON
ADRENAL GLAND DISEASE

Now that spring is approaching, the ferret breeding season is beginning. Unfortunately adrenal gland problems will also soon begin. There are two current theories about the cause of adrenal gland disease. The first one is from the Animal Medical Center in New York City (Drs. Quesenberry, Hillyer and Rosenthal). They speculate that early spaying and neutering is causing the problem. Most petstore ferrets (Marshall Farms and others) are spayed or neutered at 4-6 weeks of age. The second theory is from Dr. Bell (formerly of Marshall Farms and now at the Ontario Veterinary College, Ontario, Canada). She believes that the long photoperiods (greater than 12 hours of light) or pet ferrets kept indoors activates a modified hypothalamus to pituitary to adrenal gland axis. As you all know most pet ferrets are spayed or neutered at an early age, are kept indoors, and are exposed to artificial lights for 12 plus hours year round. Thus both theories apply to most ferrets.

Typical signs of adrenal gland disease include a thinning of the haircoat that starts on the tail and rump which leads to baldness as it progresses towards the head. The remaining hair will be dull and rough, and it will epilate (pull out) easily. Itchy skin between the shoulder blades is also common. Some ferrets will develops a musky odor and an oily buildup on the skin just like intact ferrets during the breeding season. A return of sexual behavior is also commons (ie. neck gripping, mounting, and even pelvic thrusting). Some males will develop an enlargement of the prostate that causes urination difficulties. In females roughly 75% will have an enlarged vulva similar to an intact jill in heat. The above signs are a result of the oversecretion of the sex steroids (estrogen, 17- hydrosyprogesterone, and testosterone) and the androgen (DHEA and Andro) by the adrenal glands. In prolong, severe cases estrogen-induced bone marrow toxicity can lead to a nonregenerative, aplastic anemia. This anemia can be fatal. In addition some of the adrenal tumors (carcinomas) can metastasize to the liver and to the nearly blood vessels which can also be fatal.

Treatment can be divided into two big categories: surgical or medical. Surgery is the treatment of choice in middle-aged, healthy ferret. The left adrenal gland is easy to find and usually easy to remove. Unfortunately a few "lefties" are large (up to ping-pong ball sized), firmly adhered to the intestinal tract, and have already spread cancer cells to the surrounding fat pad and blood vessels. Needless to say, these tumors are hard to remove, and the ferret might die during the surgery. The right adrenal gland is located under the liver and is next to or attached to the cavdal vena cava (a major blood vessel). The "righties" are much harder to remove. In addition a few "righties" are large, have already spread to the liver, and have invaded into the vena cava. Obviously these tumors are real hard to remove, and the ferret may die during the surgery. In older ferrets (6+ years) or ferrets with other medical problems (heart problems, lymphoma, anemia, etc.) surgery may be too risky and medical management should be tried.

Medical treatment used to consist of the use of Lysodren® (mitotane). Lysdren® mainly destroys the cortisol producing cells of the adrenal glands; however, in ferrets cortisol is not the problem. Remember it is the sex steroids and the androgens that are being oversecreted. This is why Lysodren® does not work well in ferrets. Furthermore lowering the cortisol levels can cause serious hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) problems in ferrets with concurrent insulinomas.

The new treatment for ferret adrenal gland disease is Lupron Depot® (Leuprolide Acetate). Lupron is a long-acting GARH analog that stops the stimulation to the adrenal glands. This decreases the sex steriod and androgen production by the adrenal glands. This results in reduction in the size of the prostate or vulva, and hair growth. Lupron is an injection that is given every 4 weeks into the back leg (100mcg/kg IM). It does not lower cortisol levels, and it seems to work well on cases of adrenal hyperplasia, and adenomas. However carcinomas may not respond as well.

In sever prostatic enlargement, Propecia® (finasteride) can also be used with Lupron®. Propecia is an enzyme inhibitor that prevents testosterone from being metabolized in the prostate gland, liver, and skin. As a result the prostate becomes smaller, urinary flow increases, and hair grows. I have been using the 1mg. tablet once a day. If no response is seen then the 5 mg. tablet called Proscar®, can be used once a day. Warning-Women should not handle crushed or broken tablets when they are pregnant or may be potentially pregnant. The bad news is it is an expensive, daily tablet. Remember, as with all forms of cancer, the sooner the treatment (surgical or medical) starts the better.

Jerry Murray, DVM

Animal Clinic of Farmers Branch

Romester here, Dr. Murray is currently working at the Animal Clinic of Farmers Branch. He graduated from Texas A&M in 1991 and has been seeing ferrets since 1991. He is currently owned by three ferrets, Barney, Betty and Wilma.

Legalization Officer NEEDED

We need someone who is interested in seeing ferret "legalized" in the metroplex. If you can help please call the ferret hotline and leave a message. Unfortunately without some interest in the legalization efforts of our club, we will be forced to slow down our efforts.

Help us help our ferrets become legal in your towns as well as others!

Thank You

Cover Ferret

TASKA

Her name is Taska, she is about 7 months old. She has been altered but not descented, that happened in February. I got her and Jeter from a breeder way out past Rockwall. She was about 6 weeks ,maybe, when i got from there. She was the first ferret I ever had. Two weeks later Jeter followed and the it took 4 months till I got Dunky and Puck. Now I have 4.

When I first brought her home I was very nervous because I had never had a ferret before, all I knew is I wanted one. Well within the first 24 hours she was with me she decided she wanted to eat the teal colored towel that was in her cage. She got very sick for a couple of days. Would not eat, drink and to take her into the vet a couple of times to get Sub-q fluids just to keep her alive. She would take nutrical, so thats pretty much what she lived on. Finally she came out of it and thats when i knew I just loved these guys and wanted more, more , more....

Taska has a great personality, she is what I consider my lap ferret. She will easily fall asleep in anyones arms. She loves to give kisses. She is a very mellow ferret compared to the others. She is content to sit in your arms all day and be petted. When they were kits I spent alot of time playing and holding them, I guess thats why they are like they are now. I think she is a silver mitt. I have always had problems trying to figure out her color and so has everyone I have asked at the meetings. But if I had to guess it would be silver mitt.

She loves dried fruits and ferretone and nutrical and those crunchy chow mein noodles (dont ask!). The ferrets have their own room that has a piece of plywood covering the doorway. As soon as I get home Taska is always the first one at that door to be picked up and loved on. As soon as I put my hand down to pick her up she jumps onto my hand, then she gives her kisses to you.

She loves toes! And she always gets me when I am wearing a big shirt and I am sitting on the floor. She will crawl in the back of it and do a lick lick lick chomp on the side of back. I always am aware she is there and that she will probably chomp on me, but it always surprises me and when I jump up and she falls out, she so gracefully does her little wardance and dooks away, looking at me the whole time...little heffer.

The Cover Ferret info provided by Kym Roldan, who is the proud owner of Taska.

Ferret Fun Stuff

ZEUS: A FERRET'S VIEW

Hello everyone, its me again, The Zeus. I just thought I would check in with you, my loving public, to keep you updated on my exciting life. Well, the first and foremost thing thing is I have more friends this month. After talking Sable into loaning me a few more toes I figured out we have 30 ferrets living here (sheesh!). The mountains of poop are piling up and my dads are working hard to keep up. The six new ones are only here temporarily since their mom, Linda Davis, is having back surgery. My dads explained it to me, and told me that a human veterinarian had to cut on her and take a disc out of her back. Just hearing this scared me, so I hope her vet is as nice as Dr. Kendrick. If he is, then she will be fine in a couple of more weeks. I bet if all you ferrets sent her best wishes and get well soon things, then she would get better faster. I know her kids miss her, and I bet she is missing them. Besides, that Topanga is a bully, and Rhapsody is a big baby!!!!

Next month my dads are going to visit a friend of the clubs, she moved away last year, bu that has not stopped us from being friends. I think most of you remember Erika Matulich, the past president of the club. She moved to Florida for a new job. I asked my dads to take notes while they visit, and I might send some questions to ask her, then I will write about it next time.

After my first column in the newsletter was printed, I received a cryptic note from one of my adoring fans. She wrote the following:

"Dear Zeus,

I found your abuse of poor Sable to be very (beep) (beep) (beep) disgusting! I know Sable very (beep) well and if you keep this )beep) (beep) behavior up I will personally beat your (beep)! You thought your (beep) hurt when the vet got finished, just you wait till I get a hold of your (beep)! You know what happened to the chameleon with the frogs . . . . 'Whose your daddy, Punk?'

Sincerely,

Xena 'War Weasel'"

Well, I just want everyone to know that Xena is ghetto trailer trash, that spends her time watching "Jerry Springer" and eating Bon-Bons, and who happens to be a Ferretone-a-holic. Sable has no problems with me using her the way I do. In fact she is so grateful that she keeps saying she is going to wrap me a present with duct tape. So, unless Xena wants a piece of me, she should back off and stay out of the way. Ferrets have disappeared when messing with me, The Zeus.

Your Ever Inquisitive Journalist (with an attitude),

Zeus

Gentle Touch®

&

TOTALLY FERRET®

817-683-6363

Special Pricing for Club Members

Kozy Kingdom
Halfway House & Rescue
P.O. Box 201013
Arlington, TX 76006-1013