Adrenocortical Adenocarcinoma in a Syrian Golden Hamster (Mesocricetus Auratus) With Suspected Hyperadrenocorticism

A 2-year-old female Syrian golden hamster was diagnosed with adrenocortical adenocarcinoma, presenting with non-pruritic truncal alopecia and suspected hyperadrenocorticism. Clinical examination and ultrasonography identified a mass consistent with an adrenal tumor, and cytology suggested an epithelial neoplasm. Despite normal cortisol levels, an elevated urinary cortisol-to-creatinine ratio indicated hypercortisolism. The hamster's condition worsened, leading to euthanasia, and necropsy confirmed the presence of a nodular mass in the adrenal gland. The case highlights the rarity of adrenal tumors in hamsters and the challenges in diagnosing hyperadrenocorticism due to limited diagnostic tools and species-specific reference values. The study emphasizes the importance of recognizing endocrine dysfunctions in small mammals to improve diagnostic and treatment strategies.