Unilateral ureteral obstruction in a ferret - case report

A four-year old castrated male ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was presented with a 1-week history of gastrointestinal signs. The ultrasonographic findings showed mild right pelvic dilatation and hydroureter with obstruction at the ureterovesical junction. Conservative treatment resulted in clinical but no ultrasonography improvement. Three months later the ferret was presented with signs of gastrointestinal disease. Ultrasonography revealed progression of the process to mild hydronephrosis and further dilatation of the right ureter. Excretory urography confirmed the finding. Laboratory findings indicated renal failure with proteinuria. Ureteroneocystotomy was performed. A small amount of sludgy material was found at the ureteropelvic junction. The ferret died 4 months later due to pneumonia. Necropsy revealed multifocal tubulointerstitial lymphoplasmacytic nephritis.