Hematologic and Immunologic Diseases

Chapter 18 Hematologic and Immunologic Diseases



THE FERRET


Estrogen toxicosis and bone marrow suppression resulting in a life-threatening anemia are covered in Chapter 22.



Lymphoma


Lymphoma is the most common malignancy of the ferret. Several forms of lymphoma exist; the most frequent is lymphocytic form, which involves the lymph nodes and spreads to visceral organs later in the disease. The lymphoblastic form, seen mostly in young ferrets, produces visceral neoplasms early on in the disease. Another form is a combination type rarely seen.



CLINICAL SIGNS



• Enlarged peripheral lymph nodes

• Chronic lethargy

• Cycles of illness and recovery

• Anorexia

• Weight loss


DIAGNOSIS



• Clinical signs and history

• Needle aspirate of lymph node can suggest diagnosis

Mature, well-differentiated lymphocytes present with adult form


• Excisional biopsy of lymph nodes or organ biopsy

• Complete blood cell count (CBC) may show lymphocytosis

• Radiographs/ultrasonography

• Cytology of any fluid (pleural or abdominal)


TREATMENT



• Available chemotherapy/multidrug protocols include:
Prednisone

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Aug 31, 2016 | Posted by in GENERAL | Comments Off on Hematologic and Immunologic Diseases

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