Multiple Congenital Malformations in a Ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

A 2-month-old female ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was evaluated for hematuria and pollakiuria. The external physical examination revealed the absence of a tail and external genitalia and the presence of a malformed anus. Survey abdominal radiographic images, excretory urography, and ultrasound examination of the organs within the body cavity revealed right kidney dysplasia. Contrast medium injected into the anus before a second set of radiographic images revealed the presence of a structure similar to a cloaca. Owing to a poor prognosis and possible complications of reconstructive surgery, the owner elected to humanely euthanize the ferret. A complete necropsy was performed, confirming the presence of a persistent cloaca-like structure, which received the termination of the descending colon, urethra, and uterus, and the presence of right kidney dysplasia. Histopathological examination of the cloaca-like structure determined that the abnormal anatomical structure was composed of stratified squamous and transitional epithelial cells.