Cutaneous epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma in ferrets
Tumors are commonly encountered in ferrets and lymphoma is the third most common neoplasm in this species. Cutaneous epitheliotropic lymphoma has rarely been described in ferrets.
Inclusion criteria for ferrets in this study were cutaneous lymphoma diagnosed by histopathologic examination. Data collection from affected ferrets presented at the clinic between January 2014 and March 2021 included signalment, medical history, clinical signs, histopathology and immunohistochemistry results, treatments and clinical outcome when available.
Three ferrets met the inclusion criteria. They presented with erythematous and crusted lesions on the foot in ferrets 1 and 2, and multiple erythematous papules over the lumbar region in ferret 3. Epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma was identified by immunohistochemistry in all cases.
Chemotherapy was declined by the owners of ferret 1 and a medical treatment based on prednisolone, a skin ointment and spirulina was initiated. Ferret 2 received lomustine and prednisolone. Ferret 3 received chlorambucil, an isotretinoin skin ointment and prednisolone. In all cases, dermatologic symptoms significantly improved or disappeared after one to three months.
Ferret 1 was lost to follow up after two months. Ferret 2 discontinued chemotherapy after seven months and was humanely euthanized three months later after recurrence and worsening of its general condition. Ferret 3 died three months after diagnosis from an unknown cause.
The authors in this case series described three cases of cutaneous epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma, with three different treatment plans. Researchers illustrated the importance of considering cutaneous epitheliotropic lymphoma as a differential diagnosis in ferrets with dermatologic symptoms.
Cécile Bernhard, et al. “Cutaneous epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma in ferrets (Mustela putorius furo): 3 cases (2014-2021).” Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine, 3 November 2022. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jepm.2022.10.006
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