Successful treatment of a mandibular multilobular tumor of bone in a ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

Background

Multilobular tumor of the bone is a rarely described neoplasia in the ferret.

Case Description

A 2-yr-old, male neutered ferret was presented for an oral swelling. On physical examination, a firm swelling was noted surrounding the base of tooth 409 with no discharge. The remainder of the physical examination was unremarkable. Differential diagnoses included oral neoplasia or abscess. A biopsy was recommended with possible extraction of the affected tooth. Medical management was initiated and a biopsy was scheduled. In surgery, the mass was determined to be firm. The initial biopsy results indicated a chondrosarcoma. A partial hemimandibulectomy was successfully performed without complications. The final histopathology report showed a multilobular tumor of bone. At 8 months postoperative and at the time of writing, no recurrence had been noted.

Conclusion and Case Relevance

This case reports an unusual presentation of a mandibular swelling in a ferret. Although rare, a multilobular tumor of bone should be considered as a differential for mandibular swelling in ferrets. Surgical intervention may be a viable treatment option.