From:
Bruce Williams, DVM
Date: 2001-05-30 22:52:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Adrenal cysts
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., ferret_doc@y... wrote:
> > On necropsy of a 3-year-old, 2.0 pound, male, Sable ferret, I
> > observed numerous, thin-walled, round cysts, pinpoint to 3.5 mm
in
> > diameter, bulging from the right adrenal gland. On cut section,
> > these cysts contained yellow-green clear fluid. The left adrenal
> > gland was morphologically unremarkable. Histologically, the
cysts
> > were lined by tall columnar epithelium similar to that of biliary
> > epithelium, and were filled with pale pink proteinaceous fluid.
> The
> > cysts compressed and obliterated approximately eighty percent of
> the
> > right adrenal gland.
> >
> > I have heard of two other cases with similar findings -- cysts in
> the
> > right adrenal gland lined by tall columnar epithelium with no
> changes
> > in the left adrenal gland. I cannot find any information on this
> > finding. Has anyone else observed similar lesions? How do these
> > cysts arise? Do they have any clinical significance? Is any
other
> > information known?
Adrenal cysts are common findings in the right adrenal gland of
ferrets. The cysts, although they are considered incidental findings
are developmental rather than pathologic, are usually seen in
association with hyperplasia of the gland. There are a number of
potential developmental problems in association with the proximity of
the right adrenal and the caudate lobe of the liver; in some cases,
adrenal tissue is present unencapsulated within the liver. The
development of cysts during hyperplastic growth of the cortex is
likely related to the close association of these two organs.
Whenever you see the cysts, simply say "Aha, a hyperplastic right
adrenal", and proceed with the adrenalectomy.
With kindest regards,
Bruce H. Williams, DVM, DACVP
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