From:
daneedv@aol.com
Date: 2002-02-11 06:39:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Why test for ADV?
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "renee" wrote:
> Please allow me to play the devil's advocate for a moment in
order to get a
> few answers...
>
>
> From what I have read, ADV has no treatment and no cure. If
my ferrets do
> not come in contact with other ferrets, why would I spend
the time and money
> to have them tested? (and then retested?) If the test
results are
> positive, what have I accomplished other than to find
another thing to worry
> over?
There are several reasons to test for ADV. First, it could be
very important in determining future medical care. While
there is no cure, there are some experimental treatments that
appear to help slow the progress of the disease. Knowing that
the disease is there can definitely allow you to take steps to
keep the ferret healthy as long as possible.
Also, many ferrets with ADV (though not all) have clotting
factor problems, and are not good surgical candidates even
though they may be young and otherwise appear healthy. I had
an experience with this when I had 2 of my positive boys
neutered. I had bloodwork done ahead of time, to check organ
function, even though they were only 2 years old. Everything
looked fine, and the surgery was done. Both had 2 normal
(descended) testicles, so this was not a major procedure. Yet
both had severe bleeding problems for 24 hours following the
surgery. The bleeding was not internal, but from the site of
the incision.
Finally, since we do not know how easily this disease is
transmitted, knowing that your ferrets are positive (if they
are) will allow you to take precautions so you do not spread
it to other ferrets. I assume you do at least take your
ferrets to the vet, so that is a place they might infect
others. An infected ferret probably does not have to come in
direct contact with another ferret to spread the disease. All
that is needed is fluid from an infected ferret (blood,
saliva, urine, etc.) to pass the virus on. The virus is a
very hardy one, and can live outside a host for a considerable
period of time. To properly disinfect, you need to use a
bleach solution or a parvocide. And while your vet is
probably using one to wipe down the exam table between
clients, he may not be using it to clean up the waiting room.
Many times I have been at my vet's office, and seen clients
introducing their ferrets to each other, or allowing their
ferrets to run on the waiting room furniture. While it may be
that such casual contact is not enough to spread the disease,
we don't know that for sure, and why take chances.
Just my thoughts.
Danee
ADV - If your ferret hasn't been tested, you don't know!
For more information visit
http://www.geocities.com/russiansmom