Mast cell tumors 肥大細胞瘤

Mast cell tumors

Directly related to the immune system, which produce histamines組織胺 to combat foreign bodies in ferret’s system.  For reason unknown, these cells may migrate and form small tumors on the ferret’s skin.  The growths can appear anywhere on your fuzzy as a single tumor or multiple tumors. 

• Often are ROUND, slightly RAISED RED LUMPS– button-like in appearance.  Sometimes they are FLAT and Scaly有鱗的 in appearance.  Because of the ferret’s constant production of histamines, this type of tumor is Extremely ITCHY. 

• Witness your ferret scratching feverishlyat her skin (at the area of tumor), causing excessive bleeding and oozing滲出.  Also, the site usually shows some HAIR LOSS and may be scabbed over結痂 from the constant irritation不斷的刺激.

• Rarely become cancerous in ferrets. But obvious discomfort your fuzzy feels. Suggest to have the any mast cell tumors REMOVED. Always have a biopsy切片檢查 done.

• Frequently pop up in other places.

REF: Ferrets For Dummies, 2^ndEdition____________________________________________________