Archive-name: pets/ferret-faq/part5
Last-modified: 3 May 1996
Posting-Frequency: monthly (around the 20th)
Version: 3.0
URL: http://www.optics.rochester.edu:8080/users/pgreene/central.html

FERRET FAQ (part 5 of 5) -- MEDICAL OVERVIEW
Compiled and edited by Pamela Greene <pgreene@optics.rochester.edu>
Additions, corrections, and suggestions for this file are welcomed!

This document is copyright 1994-1996 by Pamela L. Greene.  See section
0.5 (in Part I, About the Ferret FAQ) for authorship information and
redistribution rights.  In short, you can give it away, but you can't
charge for it or include it in any for-profit work without permission.

The basic Ferret FAQ has five parts, all of which should be available
wherever you obtained this one.  Most people will want to look at
parts 1 through 4, and perhaps skim part 5.  A complete table of
contents for all five files is given in Part I.  Please at least read
section 0 in Part I, About this FAQ.  In addition, there are separate
FAQ's for several common ferret diseases.  Information about those is
given in section [1.1].

Please note: I am not a ferret expert, and I did not write, nor did I
independently verify, all the information in this file.  I have done
my best to include only accurate and useful information, but I cannot
guarantee that what is contained in this file, whether written by me
or by one of the contributors, is correct, or even that following the
advice herein won't be harmful to you or your ferret in some way.  For
advice from an expert, you may wish to consult one of several books
available, or, especially in the case of a suspected medical problem,
a veterinarian who is familiar with the treatment of ferrets.

------------------------------

Subject: CONTENTS OF THIS FILE

Part 5: MEDICAL OVERVIEW

10. *** Common health problems ***

   (10.1) Overview of common health problems
          (10.1.1) Noninfectious health problems
          (10.1.2) Parasites
          (10.1.3) Infectious diseases
          (10.1.4) Neoplasia (Cancer)
   (10.2) Other common problems and more information

11. *** General medical information *** 

   (11.1) What are normal body temperature, blood test results, etc.?
   (11.2) What anesthetic should my vet be using?
   (11.3) Do I need to worry about toxoplasmosis?
   (11.4) My ferret won't eat.  What should I do?
   (11.5) What's Duck Soup?  Anyone have a recipe?

12. *** Medical reference material ***

   (12.1) What books can I get or recommend to my vet?
   (12.2) Are there any other useful references?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

10. *** Common health problems ***

------------------------------

Subject: (10.1) Overview of common health problems

All of section 10.1 was written by Susan A. Brown, DVM.

Most common health problems of the pet ferret

------------------------------

Subject: (10.1.1) Noninfectious health problems

by Dr. Susan Brown, DVM

A. GI Foreign Bodies [i.e., swallowing things they shouldn't have] 

       This is the MOST COMMON cause of wasting and acute abdominal
   disease in the ferret under 1 year of age.  It occurs with less
   frequency in older ferrets.
       Ferrets love to chew and eat rubber and "sweaty" objects.  The
   most common foreign bodies we remove are latex rubber pet toys,
   foam rubber, insoles and soles of shoes, pipe insulation, chair
   foot protectors, along with towels, cotton balls, plastic, metal,
   and wood.
       Hair balls are VERY COMMON particularly in the ferret 2 years
   of age and older.
       Most foreign bodies remain in the stomach if they are too large
   to pass and cause a slow wasting disease that may last for months.
   (This is the way that most hairballs present.)  However, if the
   foreign material passes out of the stomach and lodges in the small
   intestine, then the pet becomes acutely ill, severely depressed,
   dehydrated, in extreme abdominal pain and finally coma and death
   within 24 to 48 hours if surgery is not performed.
       Other signs that your pet may have a foreign body are pawing at
   the mouth frequently, vomiting (although remember that many pets
   with foreign bodies do not vomit), appetite that goes on and off,
   black tarry stools that come and go.
       Prevention is by use of a cat hairball laxative either every day
   or every other day (about 1") and ferret proofing your house on
   hands and knees for potential foreign body items.
       Treatment is generally surgery, because if it is too large to
   leave the stomach, it has to come out somehow!  

B. Aplastic Anemia

       A common cause of death of unspayed breeding females.
       The cause is a condition caused by high levels of the hormone
   estrogen that is produced during the heat period which in turn
   suppresses the production of vital red and white blood cells in the
   bone marrow.  This suppression is irreversible as the disease
   advances and death occurs from severe anemia, bleeding (because the
   blood can't clot properly), and secondary bacterial infections
   because there aren't enough white blood cells to fight.
       Signs are seen in animals in heat 1 month or longer (they can
   stay in heat up to 180 days if unbred), and include general
   depression and hind limb weakness that seems to occur suddenly and
   sudden loss of appetite.  Additionally there may be marked hair
   loss and baldness on the body.
       Upon closer exam the gums appear light pink or white, and there
   may be small hemorrhages under the skin.  A complete blood count
   should be done to determine the severity of the damage to the bone
   marrow.
       If the condition is advanced, there is no treatment as it is
   irreversible, and euthanasia is recommended.  If the disease is
   caught early, treatment may include a spay, multiple transfusions
   and other supportive care.
       Prevention is by having animals not designated for breeding
   spayed by 6 months of age.  Those to be used for breeding should
   use the hormone HCG for taking them out of heat during cycles when
   they will not be bred.  The use of vasectomized males can sometimes
   be unreliable, and we do not recommend it.

C. Anal Gland Impaction

       Caused when the animal has a blockage to the outflow of anal
   gland secretion or abnormally thick anal gland material.
       Signs are few, doesn't seem to cause them much pain.  If the
   gland ruptures, a draining hole will be seen near the anus, and the
   pet may lick at the area frequently.
       Treatment is by surgical removal of the anal glands.  Even if
   only one is affected now, remove both as the other may become
   affected later.
       There is no prevention, and this disease does not occur with
   sufficient frequency to warrant routine anal gland removal in all
   ferrets.  

D. Cataracts

       Caused when the lens of the eye becomes opaque.  Light can no
   longer reach the retina and the animal becomes blind.  In ferrets
   it is primarily seen in animals under one year of age and is
   considered to be hereditary.  In other cases it may be caused by
   aging of the eye in very old animals or as a result of injury to
   the eye.
       Signs are almost nonexistent.  Ferrets have very poor eyesight
   and do not depend on it for much.  Many people are surprised to
   find that their ferrets are blind.  They eyes will have a whiteish
   blue cast to the area of the pupil.
       Treatment is unnecessary.
       Prevention of hereditary cataracts is by not repeating the
   breeding.  

E. Cardiomyopathy

[There is a separate FAQ devoted to cardiomyopathy; see section 1.1.]

       Seen generally in animals over 3 years of age, rare in young.
   Caused by an abnormal thinning or thickening of the heart muscle
   which interferes with blood flow through the heart.
       Signs include a marked decrease in activity, the need to rest
   in the middle of the play periods, great difficulty in awakening
   from sleep, and as the disease progresses one may see coughing,
   difficulty breathing, fluid build-up in the abdomen and a general
   loss of condition.
       Diagnosis is by x-ray and EKG.
       Treatment is dependent on which type of heart muscle
   abnormality is present.  There is no cure for this disease,
   treatment helps to alleviate symptoms and reduce he work load on
   the heart and attempt to prolong life.

F. Urolithiasis (Bladder Stones)

       The cause is not completely understood.  A high ash content of
   the diet and possible underlying bacterial or viral infections, and
   even some genetic predisposition may all play a part. This
   condition is rarely seen in animals on a low ash cat food.
       Signs include blood in the urine, difficulty in urinating (may
   be accompanied by crying when urinating), "sandy" material being
   passed in the urine, and in the most severe cases there may be a
   complete blockage leading to no urine being passed and eventual
   depression, coma and death.
       Treatment depends on the size of the stones.  Surgery may be
   indicated or a change to a special diet may solve the problem.
       Prevention is by feeding a low ash diet.

------------------------------

Subject: (10.1.2) Parasitic health problems

by Dr. Susan Brown, DVM

A. Ear Mites

       Caused by a small mite that lives in the ear and sucks blood
   and is picked up from other animals with mites (including dogs and
   cats).
       Signs are very minimal to none.  Ferrets seem to tolerate mites
   very well.  Occasionally there may be an excessive amount of ear
   wax produced, extensive scratching of the ears, and small black
   pigmented areas that appear on the ear.
       Treatment is with Ivermectin at 1 mg/kg divided into two doses
   with each dose dropped into each ear.  This is repeated in two
   weeks.  All the animals in the house should be treated.  Wash
   bedding the same day as treatment and a bath for the pet wouldn't
   hurt, either.  They also may be treated with Tresaderm daily for 14
   days.  

B. Fleas 

       Caused by an insect that spends a small portion of its life on
   the animal and lives in the surrounding environment laying eggs the
   rest of the time.
       Prevented by spraying or powdering your animals 2 times a week
   with a pyrethrin product if they go outside. If you already have
   them, the house must be treated also.

------------------------------

Subject: (10.1.3) Infectious diseases

by Dr. Susan Brown, DVM

A. Influenza virus

       Caused by the same complex of viruses that cause disease in
   humans.  They can catch it from humans or other ferrets.
       Signs include a runny nose (clear discharge), runny eyes,
   sneezing, coughing, decrease but not total loss in appetite,
   lethargy and occasionally diarrhea.  In newborns it may be fatal.
       Treatments is generally nothing specific except rest and loving
   care.  They generally get over it in 3 to 7 days (recall how long
   your flu lasted, and they will generally be the same), The
   antihistamine product Chlor Trimeton may be used at 1/4 tablet 2
   times daily for sneezing that may interfere with sleeping or
   eating.  If the appetite is totally lost or if any green or yellow
   discharges appear or if there is extreme lethargy, these animals
   should be seen by a veterinarian.
       Prevention is washing hands and no kissing when you are dealing
   with a cold.  Also remember, they can give the flu right back to
   you!  

B. Canine Distemper

       A 100% fatal disease that is still very much out there!  It is
   caused by a virus that attacks many organs in the body.  The virus
   can stay alive for a long time on shoes and clothes that have come
   in contact with infected material.  (Such as from walks in parks or
   other areas where animals roam).
       Signs range from acute [quick] death to a slow progressive 
   disease which usually starts as an eye infection and progresses to
   a rash on the chin and lips and abdomen, and thickened hard pads on
   the feet.  Diarrhea, vomiting, severe lethargy are other possible
   signs.  The disease may be very drawn out with seizures and coma at
   the end.
       There is no treatment for distemper.  Euthanasia is the kindest
   solution as it is a long and painful way to go.
       Prevention is by vaccination with the Fromm-D [or Fervac-D]
   distemper vaccine.  [Be careful about Galaxy-D, which has sometimes
   been "invisibly" substituted for Fromm-D.  It's still untested in
   ferrets.]  Use of other vaccines have occasionally caused cases of
   distemper in ferrets.  The schedule would be the first shot at 6
   weeks of age then 8 weeks, 11 weeks, 14 weeks and annually
   thereafter.  The vaccine WILL NOT last for 3 years in the face of
   an outbreak.  Ferrets do not need vaccines containing
   leptospirosis, hepatitis, parainfluenza or any other dog virus.

C. Aleutian disease

       Caused by a parvovirus that invades many organs of the body and
   sets up a type of autoimmune response.
       The actual disease is rare in the ferret.  It is seen in
   isolated outbreaks mostly in breeding facilities where many young
   animals are present.
       The signs are very variable and range from slow wasting to
   sudden death with black tarry stools.
       A blood test can detect antibodies to the virus, but a positive
   test in a clinically normal animal does not indicate euthanasia.
       We are generally only recommending the test for those that are
   breeding ferrets. This is not a recommended routine test for
   ferrets already in a pet household.  We also use the test to help
   diagnose disease in a clinically ill animal.

------------------------------

Subject: (10.1.4) Neoplasia (Cancer)

by Dr. Susan Brown, DVM

[Each of these four cancers has its own FAQ; see section 1.1]

A. Lymphosarcoma

       This is a disease of the lymphatic system of the body which is
   an important part of the immune system.  The cause is unknown but
   investigation is being done to determine if there is a virus
   involved.  It can occur in ferrets of any age.
       Signs are very variable, and many animals show no outward signs
   until they are very ill, or changes are picked up on a routine
   veterinary exam.  Changes may include enlarged lymph nodes anywhere
   in or on the body, a greatly enlarged spleen, wasting, difficulty
   breathing, and extreme lethargy.  A complete blood cell count may
   indicate abnormal (cancerous) cells present, although this occurs
   in a very small percentage of cases.
       Diagnosis is generally by biopsy of a lymph node, spleen or
   fluid from the chest.
       Treatment is by chemotherapy of the animal fulfills certain
   criteria that would make it a good candidate, Chemotherapy has been
   successful in about 75% of our cases, allowing life to be prolonged
   in a quality way for 6 months to 2 years.  

B. Insulinoma

       This is a tumor of the pancreas leading to a high insulin
   production and a low blood sugar.

C. Adrenal Adenoma or Adenocarcinoma

       This is a tumor of the adrenal gland.

D. Skin tumors

       There are a variety of skin tumors occurring in the pet ferret.
   The most common are sebaceous gland adenomas, and mast cell tumors.
   Most of these should be removed particularly if they are ulcerated,
   bleeding, or have a rough surface.
        Chondromas occur with some frequency on the tip of the tail as
   a hard round lump.  They are generally benign, but may become large
   and bothersome and can easily be removed.

------------------------------

Subject: (10.2) Other common problems and more information

Once again, I'm not a vet or even a ferret expert, but here's a list
of several of the most common medical problems in ferrets, especially
older ones.

Intestinal blockages
   Caused by eating something indigestible, such as an eraser, a
   rubber band, some fabrics, or even a good-sized hairball
   (accumulated from grooming), which gets stuck.  Symptoms may
   include (one or more of) lack of bowel movement, constipation,
   bloating, vomiting or heaving, drooling, and others.  Blockages may
   occur at any point in the digestive tract, from the throat through
   the lower intestine, even in the stomach where the object may move
   around and produce only intermittent symptoms.  Laxatone or a
   similar hairball remedy/laxative can help prevent this [6.3].  
   Treatment is surgery, to remove the blockage.  

Tumors or lesions of the adrenal glands
   Symptoms vary, including hair loss spreading from the base of the 
   tail forward [7.3], lethargy, loss of appetite, and loss of
   coordination in the hindquarters.  In females, often the most
   prominent sign is an enlarged vulva as in heat.  Often, however, a
   tumor will be present without showing any signs at all, so if your
   ferret is going in for any surgery, the vet should take a look at
   the adrenal glands as well (if time permits -- ferrets lose body
   heat very quickly in surgery).  The left gland seems to be affected
   more often than the right.  More information is available in the
   Ferret Medical FAQ on Adrenal Disease [1.1].

Islet cell tumors (insulinoma)
   These are tumors of insulin-secreting cells in the pancreas.  Their
   main effect is a drop in the blood sugar level, and they are also
   common enough in older ferrets, even without symptoms, that if your
   pet is having surgery for something else, a quick check is
   worthwhile.  Symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, wobbly
   gait, and pawing at the mouth; in more severe cases attention
   lapses (staring into space) or seizures may also occur.  If you're
   more than a minute from your vet and your ferret has a low enough
   blood sugar level to be having seizures, call the vet and ask if
   you should rub Karo (corn sugar) syrup or honey on your pet's gums
   to raise it just enough to bring him out of the seizure.  More
   information is available in the Ferret Medical FAQ on Insulinoma 
   [1.1]. 

Splenomegaly [enlarged spleen, usually a swelling in the upper abdomen]
   In situations where a neoplasm is not present [this is a common
   symptom of lymphosarcoma], the pros and cons of splenectomy should
   be discussed with your veterinarian.  If an animal simply has a
   large spleen, but shows no signs of illness or discomfort, it is
   safer for the animal to leave it in.  However, if the animal shows
   signs of discomfort, such as lethargy and a poor appetite, or a
   decrease in activity, then the spleen may come out.  Finally, if
   the spleen is especially large, and the animal is very active,
   there is a risk of splenic rupture, and once again, splenectomy
   should be considered.  More information is available in the 
   Ferret Medical FAQ on Splenomegaly [1.1].

Lymphosarcoma [also called lymphoma]
   Lymphosarcoma is the most common type of cancer in the ferret.
   It is a tumor of a certain type of white blood cell, and the most
   common clinical sign is enlargement of the lymph nodes.  It may
   also arise in the abdomen, where lymph nodes can only be felt with
   reasonable accuracy by your veterinarian.  It is most commonly seen
   in older animals from 4-6 years of age, although animals as young
   as a year old can have it.  While animals initially respond well to
   chemotherapy, they usually relapse in 2 months or less, and
   generally are put to sleep at this time.  The prognosis for any
   ferret with lymphosarcoma is poor.  A lymph node biopsy, read by a
   pathologist who is familiar with ferret tissue, is the ONLY way to
   diagnose lymphosarcoma.  More information is available in the 
   Ferret Medical FAQ on Lymphosarcoma [1.1].

Gastric ulcers 
   Ferrets may develop gastric ulcers in time of stress.  Clinical
   signs are dark, tarry stools, a lack of appetite, and grinding of
   the teeth.  It can be treated by your vet, but it takes 3-4 weeks
   to recover from this condition.  You must first remove the stress
   from the animals environment before any recovery can begin.  These
   animals also need good nursing care to get them back on their food.
   Often caused by H. mustelae infection (see below).  With proper
   care - recovery rates are over 90%.

Helicobacter mustelae infection
   Infection of the stomach lining by a bacteria, Helicobacter
   mustelae is extremely common in ferrets.  Animals with
   long-standing infections (generally older animals), may develop
   gastric problems due to the bacteria's ability to decrease acid
   production in the stomach.  Signs of a problem include repetitive
   vomiting, lack of appetite, and signs of gastric ulcers (see
   above).  Helicobacter infection and gastric ulcers often go hand in
   hand - the relationship between infection and gastric ulcer
   formation has not been totally worked out, although there is
   currently a lot of research in this area.  

   Dr. Scott Perkins, VMD, says:

      The treatment of choice involves a "triple therapy" consisting
      of amoxicillin (10 mg/kg), metronidazole (20 mg/kg), and liquid
      Pepto-Bismol (17.5 mg/kg) [or De-Nol at 12 mg/kg divided BID for
      those of you in Europe].  All drugs should be given 3 times a
      day for 3 weeks.  The definitive methods of determining
      infection and cure of infection are serology (blood test) and/or
      gastric biopsy and culture.  Since these methods are either not
      widely available (serology for H. mustelae) or difficult to
      perform (biopsy and culture), response to treatment is the best
      indicator of cure.

Cutaneous vaccine reactions
   Subcutaneous vaccination with rabies or other vaccines may, over 
   a period of weeks, cause a hard lump [9.1] at the site of 
   vaccination.  The lump simply consists of a large area of
   inflammation and most commonly are seen around the neck.  The lumps
   can be removed, and generally do not cause a major problem for your
   pet.  Similar lesions may be seen in vaccinated dogs and cats.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

11. *** General medical information *** 

------------------------------

Subject: (11.1) What are normal body temperature, blood test results, etc.?

Temperature	        101-103 F (38.3 - 39.4 C), 104 F (40 C) is borderline 
Heart rate	        216-400/min
Respiration	        33-36/min
Urine specific gravity  > 1.030


There are, of course, dozens of components in your ferret's blood
which can help your vet determine what's wrong.  Here are some of the
ones people ask about most often, and normal ranges.  If you want to
know more about what your ferret's tests mean, don't hesitate to ask
your vet.

Blood glucose (fasted)		85-125 mg/dl
Blood glucose (not fasted)	up to 207 mg/dl
White blood cells		3500-6500/mm3
Lymphocytes			25%-50%

------------------------------

Subject: (11.2) What anesthetic should my vet be using?

Isoflurane, an inhalant.  Dr. Bruce Williams, DVM, says:

    The only acceptable type of anesthetic agent for general
    anesthesia in the ferret is gas, and preferably a gas anesthetic
    called isoflurane.  Most vets use it, but other types of gas
    anesthetics, such as halothane are still in use.  Isoflurane
    currently is the safest, with the least chance of generating a
    life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia or causing liver disease, both
    of which may be seen (rarely) with halothane.  Most
    ferrets, even with severe disease, will go down quickly with
    isoflurane, and come up within 5-10 minutes.  No other
    premedications are necessary [unlike for the injectable ketamine].

    I would not use a vet who used injectable anesthetic for surgery -
    chances are much higher for overdosing.  The effects of injectable
    anesthetics are extremely unpredictable in the ferret, and older
    ferrets are at risk for arrhythmia and cardiovascular shock.

------------------------------

Subject: (11.3) Do I need to worry about toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis is a disease which is sometimes spread through animal
feces, especially cats'.  It's nothing to worry about, unless you're
pregnant, have a very young child, or have a weakened immune system --
it's very dangerous to a human fetus in the first stages of
development, it may be dangerous to infants and toddlers, and it's a
concern for those who are HIV+.  Ask your doctor if you think you
might be susceptible.

Dr. Bruce Williams, DVM, says:

     Toxoplasmosis has been reported twice in ferrets.  Ferrets will
     not shed the toxoplasma organism to the extent that cats do, but
     if they are exposed to cat feces, they may contract the disease
     and shed very low amounts of oocysts.

     Here's the bottom line.  Becuase of the devastating effects that
     Toxoplasma can have on a developing human fetus in the first
     trimester - you don't want to take ANY chance at all on exposing
     [a pregnant woman] to Toxo.  So [someone in the household who
     isn't pregnant] inherits all litterbox duties for the next
     nine months.  Actually, she probably stands a higher chance of
     getting Toxo from poorly cooked beef.  The doctor says - if she's
     a carnivore - better get used to well-done steaks....

------------------------------

Subject: (11.4) My ferret won't eat.  What should I do?

If your ferret gets sick, chances are your vet will tell you to feed
him softened food for a time while he recovers.  Even so, sometimes an
upset or recovering ferret will simply refuse to eat on his own.  If
that happens, a good thing to try is Gerber's Second Meals chicken baby 
food.  It's full of nutrients and water (though it's not a good 
full-time food [6.2]) and most ferrets love it.  Put a little on your 
finger and let your ferret lick it; if he won't try it, carefully
smear a little on his nose.  He should lick it off and eat the rest
from your fingers eagerly.  In general, ferrets like attention, and
they love to be hand-fed.  You can add Nutra-Cal, Pedialyte,
medications, and so forth to the baby food if your vet recommends
them, and as your ferret's recovery progresses, you can mix in
portions of his regular food, moistened somewhat, to gradually work
him back to eating dry food on his own.

------------------------------

Subject: (11.5) What's Duck Soup?  Anyone have a recipe?

Duck Soup, also called Ferret Soup and similar things, is a
high-calorie, high-protein concoction meant to be fed to old or sick
ferrets in order to fatten them up and help them regain their health.

The following comes from Ann Davis:

ACME Ferret Company --- The Original  DUCK SOUP

For years, we have been trying to find a super formula to fatten up
sick ferrets, oldsters and ferrets with ulcers.  We have been looking
for something high in calories and protein, with added vitamins. After
trying just about everything on the market for pets, we had just about
given up, and were making do with some things that were not quite
perfect for the little guys, because everything made for cats that we
could find had a condensed milk base.

[If your ferret is really sick, you may have to work your way through]
all the steps, from full Sustacal to Duck Soup in caring for a sick
ferret.

We have heard of many miraculous recoveries attributed to Duck Soup.
It has helped old ferrets, ferrets with insulinoma, ferrets with hair
loss, and ferrets who are just plain too sick to eat.

DUCK SOUP

1 can Sustacal (8 oz., or about 230 ml; it comes in a larger size too) 
1 can water    (8 oz., or about 230 ml)  
2 scoops puppy or kitten weaning formula -- OPTIONAL
4 oz. (110 g? or ml?) dry kitten or ferret food, soaked in enough water to 
               cover and soften it completely

[Sustacal is meant for humans; look for it by baby formulas or in the
pharmacy section of your supermarket.  Debbie Riccio says you can also
use Ensure, Discover 2.0, or Just Born (puppy/kitten milk replacer).]

Mix thoroughly.  We always nuke it for them to the temperature of baby
formula.  We serve about 4 fluid ounces at a time twice a day for
maintenance; if your little guys eat too much and you feel they are
getting fat, you can increase the amount of water.  We have tried
increasing the amount of dry food, but if it gets too thick some of
them won't eat it. This formula also freezes well -- the Sustacal must
be used within 48 hours if left only in the fridge.

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12. *** Medical reference material ***

------------------------------

Subject: (12.1) What books can I get or recommend to my vet?

There is a series out by the

          American Animal Hospital Association
          12575 West Bayaud Ave.    
          Lakewood, CO  80228
          tel. 800-252-2242  

for practitioners on exotic pets.  There are five books in the series.
Dr. Jeff Jenkins and Dr. Susan Brown produced the one on Rabbits and
Ferrets (he did the rabbit part).  It is practical and useful; it has
drug dosages, treatments, husbandry, normal clinical pathology values,
and diagnostic techniques that might be useful for your vet.

------------------------------

Subject: (12.2) Are there any other useful references?

Dr. Bruce Williams, DVM, recommends these references on cancers:

Lawrence HJ et al.  Unilateral adrenalectomy as a treatment for
     adrenocortical tumors in ferrets: Five cases (1990-1992).  JAVMA
     203(2): pp 267-270, 15 July 1993.

Rosenthal KL et al.  Hyperadrenocorticism associated with
     adrenocortical tumor or nodular hyperplasia of the adrenal gland
     in ferrets: 50 cases (1987-1991).  JAVMA 203(2):pp. 271-275, 15
     July 1993.

Marini, RP et al.  Functional islet cell tumor in six ferrets.  JAVMA
     202(3):430-434, 1 February 1993.

== End of Part 5 ==
-- 
- Pam Greene
Ferret Central <http://www.optics.rochester.edu:8080/users/pgreene/>
            or send INDEX FERRET in email to <listserv@cunyvm.cuny.edu>
