From:
Jen Phillips
Date: 2002-05-01 17:10:00 UTC
Subject: Adrenal Panel Test
Hi folks,
I was hoping to get some medical advice (maybe even from some of the
vets?). One of my ferrets, Vivi, has had some problems lately with hair
loss (no complete balding, but pretty thin) on her hind end/back feet/belly
area, itchiness (she scratches much more than the others), and she hasn't
seemed nearly as active.
I called today to schedule an appointment with our vet. When I called, I
specifically asked to have the Adrenal Panel for Ferrets (University of
Tennessee) done on her. My vet didn't seem to be familiar with the test,
and said that what he would do is send it to Cornell to test her adrenal
function.
From what I understand (someone please correct me if I'm wrong here), the
Tenn. Panel is the only test available that can test a ferret for adrenal
function. I even checked the Cornell Univ. website to see their
Endocrinology tests at
http://diaglab.vet.cornell.edu/testlist/section.asp?WebDisc=ENDO I didn't
see any adrenal tests there.
Should I insist on the Tenn. Panel? Or is it possible that there is a test
somewhere in that list at Cornell that might tell us something useful?
I really don't want to insult my vets credibility, but if the test he is
planning on doing won't tell us anything, what is the point?
She goes in Friday morning, so if anyone could help me out between now and
then, I would greatly appreciate it.
--------------------------------------------------------
Happy Dookin'
Jen, Mike & the Furkids
Loki, Fria, Jamocha, Duke & Vivi
--------------------------------------------------------