From:
"Sukie Crandall"
Date: 2008-01-06 18:29:34 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Adrenal Rate: I have found that there was confusion in the rate numbers
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Okay, the vet on Long Island said that in a reference by a veterinarian who does not live in
the U.S. (Australia) and is not an adrenal disease researcher that there had been a
statement that in 1993 there was a 30% incidence of adrenal disease in U.S. ferrets and in
2003 there was a 70% incidence.
Now, from my own observations and those of other vets the numbers have increased, but I
have NEVER seen rates.
So, I contacted the vet whose was referenced by the vet on Long Island and was told who
was thought to be the original source, then contacted that individual. Now I have to get
back to that person because the person who was said to be the original source never did
such a study, does not know of such a study, and says the 70% rate is higher than what he
encounters.
Here is the quote, with that respected Virginia veterinarian and veterinary professor's own
words and permission. I have spelled out in brackets where abbreviations were used so
that no one gets confused:
BEGIN QUOTATION
Hello Sukie,
I have never done any national rates for incidence of [Adrenal Disease] in ferrets. I don't
know anyone who has, though [International Ferret Congress] did a survey of owners a
year or so ago (see attached.) This is not 100% scientifically valid, though is a decent
attempt at estimating the rate.
Certainly, 70% of all ferrets in the U.S. do not have [Adrenal Disease]. The incidence goes
up with age, with the average age of onset being 3.5 years. Of my own clients, I'd
"guestimate" 40 - 50% of those over age 4 have AD. I would say that it (along with
insulinomas) is so common that it qualifies as major disease of near-epidemic
proportions. I don't mind being quoted on this.
Mark R. Finkler, D.V.M.
END QUOTATION
So, somewhere there has been a miscommunication or a misprint and it is being
forwarded.
The IFC survey was at a public forum and involved 43 ferrets, it appears. (I will have to try
to enlarge it or better will print it out because it is too hard for me to see clearly.)
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