>On necropsy of a 3-year-old, 2.0 pound, male, Sable ferret, I observed
>numerous, thin-walled, round cysts, pinpoint to 3.5 mm in diameter,
>bulging from the right adrenal gland.  On cut section, these cysts
>contained yellow-green clear fluid.  The left adrenal gland was
>morphologically unremarkable.  Histologically, the cysts were lined by
>tall columnar epithelium similar to that of biliary epithelium, and were
>filled with pale pink proteinaceous fluid.  The cysts compressed and
>obliterated approximately eighty percent of the right adrenal gland.
>
>I have heard of two other cases with similar findings -- cysts in the
>right adrenal gland lined by tall columnar epithelium with no changes in
>the left adrenal gland.  I cannot find any information on this finding.
>Has anyone else observed similar lesions?  How do these cysts arise?  Do
>they have any clinical significance?  Is any other information known?
 
Adrenal cysts are common findings in the right adrenal gland of ferrets.
The cysts, although they are considered incidental findings are
developmental rather than pathologic, are usually seen in association with
hyperplasia of the gland.  There are a number of potential developmental
problems in association with the proximity of the right adrenal and the
caudate lobe of the liver; in some cases, adrenal tissue is present
unencapsulated within the liver.  The development of cysts during
hyperplastic growth of the cortex is likely related to the close
association of these two organs.
 
Whenever you see the cysts, simply say "Aha, a hyperplastic right adrenal",
and proceed with the adrenalectomy.
 
With kindest regards,
Bruce H. Williams, DVM, DACVP
 
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[Posted in FML issue 3435]