Extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction in two ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)

Abstract

This report describes extrahepatic bile duct obstruction in two ferrets, which were presented with anorexia, chronic weight loss and general weakness. Physical examination revealed lethargy, cachexia, dehydration, abdominal pain and icterus. Marked haematological, serum chemistry and urinalysis abnormalities included hyperbilirubinaemia (65·5 and 114·2 μmol/L), high concentrations of alanine transaminase (1327·53 and 2578·88 IU/L) and biluribinuria. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed thickening of the bile duct together with the gall bladder wall. The common bile duct was obviously distended. Choledochotomy revealed inspissated bile with fragile green gelatinous plugs that was removed to allow the bile to flow into the duodenum. Cytology and culture of the biliary tract contents were negative for bacteria. Laboratory analyses of biliary plugs showed presence of only protein substances, without detectable mineral composition. Histopathological examination of the liver showed diffuse steatosis and non-specific cholangiohepatitis in both cases.

Gall bladder rupture associated with cholecystitis in a domestic ferret (Mustela putorius)

“…These laboratory finding differs significantly from previous cases reported with bile duct disorders (Hauptman et al. , Hall and Ketz‐Riley ). The finding of neutrophilic leukocytosis in cases of liver disease is variable, however, an association with concurrent peritonitis, as in this case, is common (Sista et al.…”

“…Cholelithiasis and extrahepatic obstruction have been described but in the absence of rupture (Hall & Ketz‐Riley , Hauptman et al. ). Neoplasia of the biliary tract such as biliary cystadenomas are common in ferrets (Fox et al.…”

“…Extra hepatic bile duct obstructions have been successfully diagnosed by ultrasonography in ferrets (Hauptman et al. , Hall and Ketz‐Riley ). The common bile duct was enlarged and convoluted with signs of cholestasis but no effusion and no rupture were observed in the reported cases.…”

“…Several reports of cholestasis and obstructions have been reported in ferrets but none have involved rupture which necessitates rapid diagnosis and surgical treatment (Hall and Ketz‐Riley , Hauptman et al. ). This case report describes the history, clinical signs, clinicopathology and histopathology findings associated with a ruptured gall bladder in a ferret and its successful treatment.…”

Diagnosis of Liver Disease in Domestic Ferrets (Mustela Putorius)

“…Traces of bilirubinuria can be detectable in normal ferrets, but true bilirubinuria is present in cases of suppurative hepatitis or biliary obstruction. 5,9,24 Biliverdinuria Green urine is a common finding in Coronavirus infection. 22,25 Although the physiologic mechanism of this finding has not been fully elucidated, microhemorrhage into tissues and extravascular destruction of erythrocytes related to vascularitis is hypothesized.…”