From:
Bob C
Date: 2001-12-06 19:25:00 UTC
Subject: Bob C: Proposal for vets
I have a proposal for all the vets and vet techs on the list:
I would like to make a series of microphotographs illustrating ferret
red and white blood cells. I also wish to beginning building a data base
of ferret hematological values for male and female ferrets, different
aged ferrets, whole v. neutered ferrets, and ferrets suffering various
illnesses. I have the equipment to make the slides, stain them,
preserve them, microphotograph them and properly store them. I also
have access to Coulter-type hematology machines that can read basic
values, which I would confirm by performing in-depth manual
differentials and RBC morphology (I am well trained in recognizing
neuts, lymphs, monos, eos, and basos, and can recognize a left-shift
[bands, metas, myelos, blasts] without problem).
What I need are blood samples from ferrets. I have been collecting some
from mine as the opportunity presents itself, but I am concerned about
the small sample size and genetic diversity. What I need are blood
samples from a wide geographic range, age spread, and healthy and ill
individuals. The samples need to be well mixed with an anticoagulant
(EDTH) in a standard blood collection tube (purple top tubes, properly
filled), and mailed to me via next day USPS mail. In some cases,
submitting two capillary tubes, properly plugged with lab clay) is
acceptable (one for a spun 'crit, one for a diff slide). Blood from
recently deceased or euthanized ferrets is acceptable if the source has
not been frozen, or the blood has started to clot (clotted blood is NOT
acceptable because it alters basic values). If blood cannot be supplied,
well prepared smeared slide(s) are acceptable. You pay for the tube and
postage, I will pay for the slides, stains and time on the hematology
machines and microscopes, as well as the costs of photography. I may be
able to provide small numbers of small purple top tubes for those who do
not have access to that sort of thing.
As each sample trickles in, within a couple of days I will publish on
the FHL the hematology profiles, including histogram (as a jpg, or a
larger TIFF for those who have a legitimate need), with all included
data, including age, illness, sex, neutering, whatever. I will also
upload photographs of the blood smears, including all normal and
abnormal types (again, as a jpg, or a larger TIFF). The data would be
available to ANYONE to use within the parameters of FHL policy. I would
use the data for my own future publications, and because I have done the
microphotos, publication rights would belong to me (I guarantee
permission for use for FHL members with legitimate need).
If this project has enough support, I will consider buying time on serum
chemistry machines and start building a similar data base for ferret
chemistry profiles. I would also consider urine analysis. The benefits
of this type of research is that we--collectively--may notice a
differential shift in certain ferret diseases, making a simple blood
smear from a few drops of blood a diagnostic tool for the vet. For
example, I suspect a blood smear made from a few drops of blood could
tell a vet, within a few moments, if a ferret was anemic because of
bleeding, estrogen exposure, or cancer. We would have a large data base
of ferret hematology values, ranging over a typical ferret lifespan, sex
and including changes caused by disease. Who knows what we can learn.
Maybe all we get get is a good understanding of ferret blood values and
a few pretty pictures. But even that isn't so bad; how many current
ferret vet books show pictures of ferret blood?
If you are a vet or vet tech and would like to be part of this research,
let me know. If you are an owner of ferrets and want to have your vet
draw a little blood as a contribution to this research, let me know. If
this research ultimately leads to scientific publication,
help--depending on the level of assistance--will minimally result in
professional acknowledgment, or even co-authorship for those who have
contributed greatly.
Bob C