From:
Sukie Crandall
Date: 2009-11-07 18:29:58 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Alphatrak
To: fhl <ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com>
On the FML Trina asked about using an Alphatrak at home because her
vet likes their hospital Alphatrak. I am copying here what I sent
there in case it helps someone.
Yes, we have one. It's very accurate. This one gives reliable
numbers instead of just watching trends. That is why Dr. Jerry Murray
recommended it. Be sure to use the canine setting because that is the
one that works right for ferrets.
Tips:
In Morney's case we found that the pad of her pinkie toes and fingers
is the easiest place to get blood.
We do NOT use the larger Alphatrak lancets, but instead bought the A&P
pharmacy ones that are very fine.
Some people find that they like the tail tip best for getting blood.
Morney did not raise enough blood there to get a reading.
Steve did the original settings and says that the interface is very
old fashioned and wieldy so expect time upfront with the booklet
(since that part is not in the use video).
When using put the SIDE of the strip at the markings against the
blood, not the top. The strips are the most expensive component.
The worst part is finding where your ferret bleeds most easily since
individuals vary.
We have an excellent relationship with our vet and bought through his
hospital, but I think that you can also buy from the manufacturer,
Abbott, and there IS a use video at the website, too, as well as
written instructions.
<http://www.abbott.com/content/en_US/20.10.230:230/product/Product_Master_0229.htm
>
USA:
<http://www.abbottanimalhealth.com/ad_ah_com/url/content/en_US/20.30.30:20/general_content/General_Content_0000009.htm
>
AH! Here you are. Here is the video. Just click where it says:
<http://www.abbottanimalhealth.com/ad_ah_com/url/content/en_US/20.30.30:20/general_content/General_Content_0000027.htm
>
Apparently, it is also sold through Amazon, so you can compare
pricing. You will need the monitor, the test strips that are
specifically for this monitor, the testing solution that is
specifically for this monitor, but I recommend spending under $20 and
getting finer lancets elsewhere. The kit also comes with booklet and
video.
Sukie (not a vet)
Recommended ferret health links:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/
http://www.afip.org/ferrets/index.html
http://www.miamiferret.org/
http://www.ferrethealth.msu.edu/
http://www.ferretcongress.org/
http://www.trifl.org/index.shtml
http://homepage.mac.com/sukie/sukiesferretlinks.html
all ferret topics:
http://listserv.ferretmailinglist.org/archives/ferret-search.html
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