Hypersplenism in a 6 year old MN ferret

Case Study

Hypersplenism in a 6 year old MN ferret

The patient is a 6 year old neutered male ferret who was presented with an enlarged spleen on palpation. The patient is on prednisone. 

The patient is a 6 year old neutered male ferret who was presented with an enlarged spleen on palpation. The patient is on prednisone. 

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Prominent right adrenal gland. Suspected benign hypersplenism with nodular changes. Potential emerging lymphoma.

Image Interpretation

The spleen was uniformly enlarged. Parenchyma was uniform. This is most consistent with hypersplenism. A focal isoechoic nodule is noted at the caudal pole of the spleen. Spleen was bent in contour both cranially and caudally. The liver revealed a microcystic nodule measuring 1.72 x 1.87 cm in the mid left liver. Coarse architecture was noted elsewhere in the liver. The right adrenal gland appeared to be uniform and egg-shaped. No evident invasion or capsular escape. It was slightly prominent on the upper end of normal.

DX

Hypersplenism

Outcome

None

Comments

Recommend splenectomy in this patient given that the spleen, regardless of the underlying pathology, is likely causing discomfort. If any alopecia or signs of adrenal disease is present, then the right adrenal is likely the culprit. Splenectomy, liver biopsy of the nodule, and possibly right adrenalectomy could all be considered.

Clinical Differential Diagnosis

Occult lymphoma. Hypersplenism: infectious, immune stimulation.

Sampling

None

Patient Information

Patient Name : Lloyd O
Gender : Male, Neutered
Species : Exotic
Type of Imaging : Ultrasound
Status : Complete
Liz Wuz Here : Yes
Code : 08_00129

Exam Finding

  • Splenomegaly

Images

loyd_onion_hypersplenismloyd_onion_hypersplenism_2loyd_onion_right_adrenal_normal_prominent