Type 1 diabetes mellitus and hyperadrenocorticism in a ferret

Vet Res Commun. 2010 Jun:34 Suppl 1:S107-10. doi: 10.1007/s11259-010-9369-2.

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) was diagnosed in a 6-year-old neutered male ferret with polyuria/polydipsia, symmetrical alopecia, and weight loss. Laboratory tests revealed severe hyperglycemia, glucosuria, and increased steroid hormone profile. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a bilateral enlargement of the adrenal glands. Significant clinical improvement was achieved with insulin- and leuprolide acetate-based therapy. After 2 months of therapy, the ferret showed a severe ketoacidosis, and the owner decided to euthanize the animal. Histological findings revealed carcinoma of the left adrenal cortex and cortical hyperplasia of the right adrenal gland. Moderate, chronic, and active pancreatitis with a marked decrease in the number of beta-cells was also present. This is the first reported case of type 1 DM associated with hyperadrenocorticism and chronic pancreatitis in a ferret.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenocortical Hyperfunction / complications
  • Adrenocortical Hyperfunction / veterinary*
  • Animals
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / drug therapy
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / veterinary*
  • Ferrets*
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Insulin, Long-Acting / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Pancreatitis, Chronic / veterinary

Substances

  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin, Long-Acting