From:
"Danee DeVore"
Date: 2004-04-03 19:20:09 UTC
Subject: More about ADV
To: "Ferret Health List" <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
cc: "Lisa Oestereich" <lisa@leedg.com>, RWhitt1212@aol.com
Message-ID: <406F0E69.7080509@aol.com>
"Lisa Oestereich" <lisa@leedg.com> wrote on 4/2/2004, 11:44 PM:
>
> Syrum Protein Electrophoresis test: total protein 10.9, gamagobulin
> 5.75 - indicates ADV
>
>
> Will also test with United Vaccines tests.
Lisa,
Although hypergammaglobulinemia (when the gamma globulins are greater
then 20% of the total proteins) is a hallmark sign of ADV, it is not the
only thing that can cause the condition in ferrets. The only way to
know for certain is by using one of the commercial ADV tests offered by
United Vaccines or Avecon Diagnostics.
The blood proteins are part of the bodies immune system, and any chronic
infection can cause them to increase. The gamma globulins are affected
by more then just ADV. Therefore, just having a raised gamma globulin
level, while it might indicate the possibility of ADV, is not a
guaranteed sentence of ADV. However, until the ferret's gamma globulins
become high, the ferret usually does not suffer any symptoms, because it
is the immune system and not the actual virus that does most of the
damage to the organs. ADV causes the body to over produce antibodies
that are non-nutralizing, and the buildup of the antibodies damages the
organs.
For RWhitt1212@aol.com, who asked about the disease, I would suggest
checking several good websites that have information. They are:
http://www.ferretadv.com/
http://wolfysluv.jacksnet.com/adv-straight.html
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/ferreter/aleutian01.htm
http://www.pooflinger.com/advtest.html
ADV is a serious disease for ferrets, and is most easily explained as
being similar to HIV and AIDS in humans. It is a virus passed through
bodily fluids, and the ferret can have the disease and be contagious
before any symptoms are exhibited. The biggest difference between ADV
and HIV is that HIV suppresses the immune system, while ADV puts it in
overdrive. The symptoms of ADV are varied, and can mimic other ferret
diseases. Therefore, the only way to know a ferret's ADV status is by
testing.
--
Danee
International Ferret Congress Health Issues Coordinator
http://ferretcongress.org
ADV - If your ferret hasn't been tested, you don't know!
For more information visit: http://www.ferretadv.com