Malignant lymphoma is a solid tumor growth that commonly affects many tissues, lymph nodes, liver, lungs, bone marrow, spleen, intestines, kidneys, and to a lesser extent the nervous system, pancreas, eyes and stomach. As with other animals, there is a strong likelihood lymphoma is caused by genetics, environment, infectious diseases, etc.
Juvenile (1-2 years old) – An acute onset characterized by large immature lymphocytes quickly invade the organs early on with little to no peripheral lymph node disease, which results in high rate of misdiagnosis. Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen, which is very common and should be removed if it takes up more than 50% of the cavity), enlarged liver and enlarged thymus may occur. Symptoms are often acute and can resemble gastric problems with vomiting, dehydration and wasting. If the thymus is involved, signs include coughing and/or difficulty in breathing. If the digestive tract is involved, signs include wasting, vomiting, and/or diarrhea with or without black tarry stools.
Adult (3 years old+) - Disease of peripheral nodes. Small mature lymphocytes expands peripheral and mesenteric nodes, which eventually wears away nodal structures. As the disease progresses, organ invasion occurs (liver, lungs, spleen), resulting in failure and death. Signs of disease will vary depending on the organ(s) involved, however most common signs include loss of appetite, lethargy, weight loss, paralysis, peripheral lymph nodes disease, splenomegaly (enlarged spleen, which is very common and should be removed if it takes up more than 50% of the cavity), severe vomiting, and diarrhea.
Diagnosis is generally made by a lymph node aspirate or biopsy of the suspected organs(s) and affected lymph nodes. Excess lymph cells in the blood is a common finding in Juvenile lymphoma, while lymphocyte deficiency is common in adult. Anemia, low blood sugar, liver involvement and high calcium levels are common findings. X-rays and ultrasounds can often reveal organ and lymph node enlargement, as well as fluid around the lungs and a mass that displaces the heart and lungs.
Stage I – tumor involves only one site
Stage II – involves more than one site on the same side
Stage III – involves spleen and lymph nodes on both sides
Stage IV – involves more than one site on both sides
Treatment includes various chemotherapy agents, surgery, radiation or combo therapy. It's important to realize that these ferrets may become susceptible to other diseases because of immunosuppression which are enhanced by the use of chemo drugs. Ferrets with concurrent insulinoma and/or adrenal are poor candidates for chemo. It is important to evaluate your options taking into consideration, the ferrets age, other illnesses, type of lymphoma (Juvenile lymphoma is a more rapidly progressive high-grade, while Adult may be low or high-grade) and how advanced (liver, intestines, stomach or bone marrow involvement do not respond well to chemo). It is important to understand there is no cure for lymphoma; the goal of treatment is to attain remission and provide quality of life to your ferret.
For Adult lymphoma remission can last months to years, whereas in Juvenile lymphoma the prognosis is very poor.