Mast Cell Tumor in a Ferret

Most pet ferrets will develop tumors when they are between 4 and 6 years old, according to Bruce H. Williams, DVM, DACVP. But mast cell tumors are usually benign in ferrets, although they are lethal in other mammal species.

  1. Common Tumor

    • Mast cell tumors are the second most common kind of tumors that pet ferrets develop, according to Ferret Universe.com. The most common is the cancerous insulinoma or islet cell tumors.

    Identification

    • Mast cell tumors look like flat, round, hairless bumps that are often tan in color. They can appear anywhere on the ferret's body, according to Holly Nash, DVM, writing for PetEducation.com.

    Complication

    • Because they contain histamines, mast cell tumors tend to be itchy, which is why they need to be treated. Otherwise, the ferret may scratch the tumor open and risk a serious internal infection.

    Diagnosis

    • If the mast cell tumor is itchy, the color may be red instead of tan. It's best for a veterinarian to take a biopsy of the ferret's tumor to verify it is not a more serious type of tumor.

    Treatment

    • Mast cell tumors need to be removed surgically. Usually, they do not spread like other types of skin tumors, according to Dr. Nash and Ferret Universe.com.