Evaluation of plasma androgen and estrogen concentrations in ferrets with hyperadrenocorticism

To determine plasma concentrations of steroid hormones in ferrets with hyperadrenocorticism associated with adrenocortical neoplasia or nodular hyperplasia of the adrenal gland, the effect of surgical removal of the affected adrenal gland on concentrations of these hormones, and whether any hormone concentrations could be used as a marker for the disease.

Prospective case series.

32 ferrets with hyperadrenocorticism associated with adrenocortical neoplasia or nodular hyperplasia of the adrenal gland.

A blood sample was obtained from each ferret before adrenalectomy. In 26 of the 32 ferrets, a second blood sample was collected 24 to 48 hours after adrenalectomy. Plasma concentrations of 7 hormones were measured (cortisol, estradiol, testosterone, progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate).

Median plasma concentrations of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate were significantly higher in ferrets with adrenal gland disease, compared with concentrations in clinically normal ferrets. After adrenalectomy, median concentrations of estradiol, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and androstenedione decreased significantly. Of 23 ferrets in which concentrations of estradiol, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and androstenedione all were measured, 22 (96%) had high concentrations of at least 1 of these 3 hormones, but only 5 (22%) ferrets had high concentrations of all 3 hormones.

The condition that develops in ferrets with adrenal gland disease apparently is caused by excessive secretion of 1 or more steroids other than cortisol. Because concentration of a particular hormone was not high in all ferrets, we recommend determining plasma concentrations of several sex steroids, including androstenedione, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and estradiol.