From:
daneedv@aol.com
Date: 2002-02-10 15:12:00 UTC
Subject: Clarification
I know some of you are probably sick of my posts on ADV, but
because it has been brought to my attention by several people
that I have been misquoted in other emails outside of this
list, I did want to clarify a few points.
First, I am not a medical or veterinary professional. I have
lived with ADV for over 2 1/2 years, but I hardly consider
myself an expert on ADV. While I do have strong opinions on
the subject, they are just that - my opinions. I am not shy
about expressing my opinions, but I am not sure that they are
worth quoting.
Second, I have nothing against running additional blood tests
to try and confirm an ADV diagnosis. I think additional
bloodwork can be very helpful, and I run lots of tests on my
kids. I just don't want people to ignore a positive ADV test
result simply because the CBC values are still normal,
especially on a young or recently exposed ferret. And while
no one has said on this list that a normal CBC is grounds for
ignoring a positive ADV test, I was concerned some people
might infer it.
It can take months for the protein levels to become high.
To give you an example, here are values from tests run on my
kids on Jan. 7, 2002. All of these ferrets have tested
positive for at least 2 1/2 years. I have these tests done
periodically, and even the ones that are high did not get that
way suddenly. They have all had gradual increases in their
levels over time, some more rapidly then others.
Total Proteins
Total Globulins
Normal 5.20 - 7.30 g/dl 1.80 -
3.10 g/dl
Hershey 10.32
7.51
Jasmine 6.47
3.90
Elvira 6.34
3.69
Moonshine 6.93
4.35
Night Wolf 6.81
4.03
Mandalay 6.43
3.90
Ling Ling 6.71
3.94
Buddy 6.25
3.68
Cloud Dancer 6.06
3.33
As you can see, while higher then average, all but Hershey
have total protein values that fall within normal limits. It
is not until you look at the total globulins that you can see
they are out of line. And, until recently, many of them had
total globulins within normal limits. Over time though, the
values have continued to increase. Running additional tests
can definitely help confirm that a ferret has ADV, but, in my
opinion, should not be used as a reason to disregard a
positive ADV test. ADV is too dangerous a disease to be taken
lightly.
I think it is tragic whenever a ferret tests positive for ADV.
My only interest at this time is in trying to slow or stop
the spread of ADV in this country.
Danee
ADV - If your ferret hasn't been tested, you don't know!
For more information visit
http://www.geocities.com/russiansmom