Adrenal disease with additional complications in a ferret

Abstract

A 3-year-old male castrated ferret presented for evaluation of alopecia, diarrhea and decreased activity and appetite. Findings from his physical exam, abdominal ultrasound, complete blood count, chemistry panel, and urinalysis suggested the presence of adrenal and renal disease. Management of the case included therapy for presumptive Helicobacter mustelae infection and inflammatory bowel disease, as well as adrenal disease and proteinuria. With no evidence of a urinary tract infection, an Aleutian disease titer was run and came back a weak positive. After medical management for 1 week, the ferret was hospitalized due to worsening renal parameters. A poor prognosis was given and euthanasia was performed. Owners declined a necropsy. A serum protein electrophoresis was conducted with no hypergammaglobulinemia present. Although Aleutian disease virus was suspected as the causative agent responsible for the renal proteinuria, the available data did not support such a theory.