Diabetes <i>mellitus</i> em furões (<i>Mustela putorius furo</i>)

Ferrets have been gaining popularity as companion animals, which has increased veterinary interest in their diseases, including diabetes mellitus (DM). In Brazil, their importation is regulated by the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA), which requires sterilization and removal of the anal glands to control population growth and odor. The pancreas in these animals has both endocrine and exocrine functions, with β-cells responsible for insulin production. DM in ferrets, although rare, occurs mainly between two and seven years of age and may be associated with insulinoma, pancreatitis and obesity. Clinical signs of DM include persistent hyperglycemia, polyuria, polydipsia, lethargy, weight loss, and dehydration. Diagnosis is based on biochemical analyses (abnormally high blood glucose levels and elevated serum fructosamine), urinalysis (polyuria and glycosuria), and clinical history findings such as polyphagia, polydipsia, and hyporexia. Necropsy may reveal hepatic lipidosis, vacuolization of β-cells, and arteriosclerosis. Treatment is challenging and typically involves insulin administration, such as Neutral Protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin, with doses adjusted according to the patient’s blood glucose levels. Despite advances in the study of ferret diseases, information on diabetes mellitus in this species remains limited, highlighting the need for further research.