From:
Bruce Williams, DVM
Date: 2001-10-23 14:14:00 UTC
Subject: Re: ADV
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., fshldy1017@a... wrote:
> Hello-
> Yesterday I took my ferret, Bo, to be tested for ADV. He is 2.5
yrs
> old and has had several illnesses off and on since he was about 1.5
> yrs old. Well, Bo tested positive on the in-house twice so my vet
is
> sending out his blood. I guess this is a more thorough test. We
are
> currently waiting for those results. Apparently, there's a small
> chance that he could've tested false-positive if he has a bacterial
> infection. We are treating for a bacterial infection while we are
> waiting to find out the results. My question is if Bo tests
positive
> again, what is the usual course of treatment. I am aware that ADV
is
> incurable but what treatments are common/available? I also know
that
> I will need to have my other ferrets tested. Thank you.
Dear April:
Unfortunately, ADV is a viral disease which currently has no
treatment - though hope springs eternal. Unfortunately, the chance
of a positive test as a result of a bacterial infection is fairly
low. I would also recommend doing some baseline bloodwork - a
complete blood count and chemistry profile. This should include a
total protein and a level on the gammaglobulins. All of this goes to
a definitive proof of Aleutian Disease.
With kindest regards,
bruce Williams,DVM