Introduction of a new species, the ferret (Mustela putorius furo), in pathomorphological diagnostics - 7 years of Croatian experience.

Abstract

Since ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) were first introduced into Croatia as pets around 15 years ago, their popularity and number has risen continuously. This increase has been met by a concomitant need for additional veterinary diagnostic attention. We conducted a retrospective study of 14 cytological, 49 histopathological diagnoses and 5 morphological diagnoses made from samples obtained from 68 individuals of the Croatian ferret population over a 7 year period. Submitted samples originated from 60.7% male and 39.3% female animals, with an median age of 5.1 years, and an age range from 1 year to 9 years. All cases diagnosed at the Department of Veterinary Pathology Zagreb were classified as either neoplasms (n=37), inflammatory lesions (n=15), degenerative disorders (n=5) or miscellaneous lesions (n=11). The most sensitive ferret organ systems to injurious stimuli were the haemolymphatic system, the skin and the endocrine system. Neoplasia presented as the major type of injury to organs, with multicentric lymphoma being the leading diagnosis (diagnosed in 12 cases). Ferrets are still a relatively rare companion animal in Croatia, but the lesions described in our survey correspond to lesions in ferret populations in other countries.