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Pet Health Library

Cancer & Tumors

  • Tumours of the medulla of the adrenal glands may be hyperplasias (non-cancerous cell overgrowths) or be cancerous. Few are diagnosed until late in the disease because, unlike tumours of the adrenal cortex, medullary tumours do not produce clinical signs.

  • An epulis is a benign oral tumour that affects the gum. It arises from the periodontal ligament which lines the tooth cavity and surrounds the tooth.

  • These are tumours arising from structures within the eye. They tend to result in an increase in the internal pressure (glaucoma), which then leads to blindness.

  • Melanocytic tumours are formed by abnormal melanocytes. Melanocytoma is a benign (non-spreading) melanoma. Malignant (spreading) tumours are sometimes called melanoma or more specifically malignant melanoma or melanosarcoma.

  • Melanocytic tumours are formed by abnormal melanocytes. Melanocytoma is a benign (non-spreading) melanoma. Malignant (spreading) tumours are sometimes called 'melanoma' or more specifically malignant melanoma or melanosarcoma.

  • Fibrosarcoma is a tumour originating from the fibroblasts of the skin and subcutaneous connective tissue. The feline sarcoid is a subtype of tumour that is caused by a papilloma (wart) virus.

  • Adrenal disease describes tumours or hypertrophy (excess growth) of the adrenal gland(s). Tumours may be benign (adenoma) or malignant (adenocarcinoma).

  • The main skin diseases in ferrets are associated with parasites - fleas, mites and ticks - with bacterial skin disease and tumours such as mast cell tumours.

  • As with any animal ferrets can suffer from a wide range of tumours from benign cancers of the skin to aggressive malignant tumours of internal organs.

  • Fits (seizures) or "funny turns" (so-called absences) can be due to many causes. As with any veterinary problem a thorough history and physical examination is the first step.