Diagnosis of cervical chordoma in domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo): 3 cases

Abstract

Chordomas on the tip of the tail are tumors commonly diagnosed in ferrets. Chordomas are known to originate from intraosseous remnants of the fetal notochord. Reportedly, they occur less frequently in the spinal column. Three cases of cervical chordoma were diagnosed using advanced diagnostic modalities including computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Two cases were treated with radiotherapy. Two were diagnosed antemortem using cytology, while two were confirmed postmortemb by histopathology are described. In Case 1, a 4-year-old, castrated male ferret presented with ambulatory tetraparesis and tetra-ataxia with no obvious lateralization. In Case 2, a 4.5-year-old castrated male ferret presented with progressive ataxia, depression, and lethargy. A firm ovoid mass could be palpated extending from his left tympanic bulla to C2 vertebrae . Case 3, a 7-year- old, castrated male presented with a history of posterior paresis, ataxia, falling to the right side and central nervous system depression. On physical examination pronounced weakness and a firm non-displaceable mass on the cervical region surrounding the atlas dorsally and ventrally was noted. CT alone was utilized in one of the three cases while CT combined with MRI facilitated the diagnosis of one case, and MRI alone was also used in one case for diagnosis. Antemortem cytologic diagnosis was used in two ferrets prior to radiation therapy, as well as postmortem histologic in two of the three cases. CT and/or MRI were utilized for the diagnosis of cervical chordomas in three ferrets along with cytology and/or histopathology. Radiation therapy as used in two of these cases may be a viable option in some cases to palliate clinical signs related to chordomas in ferrets, albeit further research is needed.