Adrenocortical Adenocarcinoma in a Syrian Golden Hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) With Suspected Hyperadrenocorticism

Although adrenal gland tumours are among the most common neoplasms in hamsters, few cases have been reported. A 2-year-old intact female pet golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) was initially presented with marked non-pruritic alopecia of the hindquarters. Physical examination and ultrasonography revealed a large, unilateral, right-sided abdominal mass measuring 2 cm in diameter. A complete blood count, serum biochemistry, urinary cortisol-to-creatinine ratio (UCCR) and fine-needle aspiration of the mass were subsequently performed. Cytological examination revealed an epithelial tumour with endocrine differentiation, and both the biochemical profile and UCCR suggested the possibility of a corticosteroid-secreting tumour. Due to the location and invasive nature of the mass, complete excision was not feasible. Postmortem histopathology confirmed an adrenocortical adenocarcinoma with chronic, marked, diffuse atrophic dermatosis. Antemortem diagnosis was achieved using laboratory testing and diagnostic imaging, although such procedures are rarely performed in this species.