From:
Sukie Crandall
Date: 2001-03-31 20:13:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] Question for vets re: Aleutian
To: grape_apes@hotmail.com, ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-Id: <p0511170bb9bebe22914b@[10.0.1.11]>
Unless things have changed these past posts from the FHL Archives
will help you:
http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org/browse.php?msg=YG4146
From: Bruce Williams, DVM
...
There is really no traditional "reference range" for specific gravity
in ferrets. The specific gravity is a measur of the concentration of
the solids in urine, and can fluctuate widely based on the hydration
status of the animal at the time that the urine is obtained, as well
as other factors, such as the presence or absence of diabetes,
functional state of the kidney, etc.
The way we look at specific gravity is to see if the animal is able
to exceed a level of 1.030-1.035 - if this is not seen on a routine
catch, then we will take it again, and may even run a limited water
deprivation test to see if we can make it go up over this level. If
it does at any time, for any reason, then you can safely assume that
the kidney can concentrate urine effectively.
Older kidneys, may be able to concentrate to 1.020 or so with out
signs of disease. The problem occurs when the level constantly is at
the 1.008-1.012 range. This is the concentration of the blood that
passes through the kidney, and signifies that the kidney is not able
to concentrate the urine at all. This finding, coupled with evidence
of an elevated BUN, creatine, and or phosphorus, indicate the
presence of renal failure.
A diagnosis of renal failure should always be based on all findings
evaluated in concert - the specific gravity of the urine, the
urinalysis, and the so-call renal enzymes in the blood (actually not
enzymes, but normal substances excreted by the kidney, such as BUN,
creatinine, etc.
With kindest regards,
Bruce H. Williams, DVM, DACVP
http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org/browse.php?msg=YG1963
From: Bruce Williams, DVM
...
No I don't think so. I'm sure that you are watching their
intake closely (the #1 cause of small stools). I can't think of a
eason that AD would cause diminshed stool volume.
> Also, I have been testing their urine with "Multistix 10 SG -
Regeant
> strips for urinalysis. The problem is I'm not sure what's normal
for
> ferrets. Everything is at the lowest level, except for the ph,
which
> is at about 7.8, and the specific gravity, which is at 1.030. Can
> you help decipher this for me?
Multistix 10 SG test for protein, blood, bilirubin, urobilinogen, pH,
nitrite, ketone, glucose, leucocytes, and specific gravity - with the
exception of pH and specific gravity, you want everything to read at
the lowest level (or negative, as the case may be.) In the case of
terminal AD, end stage renal disease will esult in the leakage of
protein from the kidney (which normally reabsorbs it.) The fact that
there is none in the urine means the kidney is doing its job. The
same is true for glucose. The absence of blood and leucocytes
indicates that there is no infection in the urinary tract. Nitrites
screen for the presence of certain nitrate-reducing bacteria, but
this isn't very reliable in animals. Ketones would be present in
ferrets with diabetes. Bilirubin and urobilinogen are indicators of
liver disease and hemolytic uremia. You don't want any bilirubin,
but you do want a trace of urobilinogen (indicates the bile duct is
patent) pH is generally not of major import in animals without a
history of crystal formation - a slightly alkaline urine is normal in
most ferrets. Finally specific gravity measures the dilution or
concentration of the urine. 1.030 says that the kidney is working
well as far as water balance in the body.
With kindest regards,
Bruce H. Williams, DVM, DACVP
http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org/browse.php?msg=YG1964
From: AFERRETVET@cs.com
disease symptoms
The urine results are easy to answer.
Normal ph should be 5 to 6. A ph of 7.8
is high, and may cause urine tract problems
such as crystals, blockages, bladder stones, etc.
This high ph may be do to an urease produce
bacterial infection of the urinary tract. A complete
urine test should be done looking for bacteria, or
a culture/sensitivity test to search for bacteria, or
treat with a broad spectrum antibiotic (i.e., Clavamox drops,
Cefa drops, Baytril, Amoxi drops, Trimeth/Sulfa, etc.) to treat
a likely bacterial infection. Then recheck the urinary ph after
treatment
with the antibiotic. Specific gravity of 1.030 is good.
This means the kidneys are still concentrating the urine.
Now for the hard questions. We just do not know all the answers
about AD. Small stools with chronic wasting are likely to be
from AD. Small stools that are black, tarry like are likely to be
from AD. On the other hand if they are not eating much then they
simply will not be producing much stool either. As you know, the
only
options for treating AD currently are pred, broad spectrum
antibiotics,
and supportive care.
Good Luck,
Jerry Murray, DVM