From:
Bruce Williams, DVM
Date: 2001-08-01 00:00:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Quest for vets about enlarged testicle and prepuce mass
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "Sue" <Penelapee@e...> wrote:
> Hi
> I hope someone can possibly help. Our rescue had a ferret
surrendered
> to us today. He is an intact male with one enlarged testicle and a
mass
> on his prepuce. (I do not have any history except he was fed dog
food
> and lets just say-- very unkept).
> His left testicle is about twice the size of the right and the
prepuce
> mass is about 2 cm. He is very thin, slightly ataxic and PD, but
not
> PU. I am going to pull blood to run a complete profile and cbc. I
am
> planning on taking him to the vet tomorrow, but I was hoping for
some
> suggestions or ideas to help our vet with a prognosis. I have read
> about Sebaceous gland adenocarcinomas and Sertoli tumors. Do you
think
> that is what we have growing here? I did a quick exam and his
heart and
> lungs sound fine and his prostate can not be felt. I am not sure
of his
> age b/c his teeth are broken and discolored. (I would guess 3ish)
> For the meantime he is clean and eating totally ferret. So any
> suggestions are appreciated.
>
> Thank you
> Sue, CVT
Dear Sue: Testicular tumors are common in older intact males, but
there is no way to tell without examination - Sertoli cells,
seminomas, and interstitial cells are all about equal in prevalence.
The preputial mass should also be removed ASAP - the chance of a
malignancy is higher here than in any other place on the male's skin,
and the earlier removed, the better. Don't delay surgery for results
on the blood - pull it on the way to surgery.
I would be interested in reviewing the tissues (especially the
testis) at no charge, of course. Testicular tumors are not very
common and I am always interested in adding another one to the
archive.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM