Judy wrote saying that others are also trying to advance research into ADV
and added comments about testing and such.  It's good to know that others
are doing so, and hope that many more will in the future.  Less than two
decades ago virtually NOTHING existed in the way of ferret medicine (except
spaying and altering -- and even then the death rate was high because
the wrong anesthesia was often used).  Steve and I recall the start of
treatments for insulinoma, for adrenal neoplasias, for lymphosarcoma,
etc., etc., etc.  We remember when vets talked of 10% risks of death from
anesthesia.  I could go on and on but it would be boring since you get
the idea.  Now, there are ferrets which get a year or more (like 2 years
8 months more for Carla's little Dancing Bear) with treatments for
cardiomyopathy, ferrets which have long delays of poor health or sometimes
cures with surgery or chemo for other things, and so on.  It's a world
different, in less than one human generation.  It pays to support medical
advances -- to give to research facilities (such as the AMC at
1-212-838-8100, and a number of university veterinary centers), or to give
to those who direct funding to medial research at numerous locations such
as to the Morris Animal Foundation at 1-800-243-2345, or to the memorial
fund at the AFA at 1-888-FERRET1.  There's still progress to be made and
the huge amount that has already been done shows that it CAN be done.
Specify that it is to be applied to the Ferret Fund to further medical
knowledge that helps ferrets.  Your gift toward improving ferret medical
options today may save your ferret tomorrow.  After all, the gifts of the
past have already saved so very, very many.
 
To repeat Judy's info on helping fund ADV research:
>If you cannot afford to donate $10.00, PLEASE get together with a friend
>and each contribute $5.00.  If you can't afford that, PLEASE find 9 friends
>and each contribute $1.00.  You couldn't see me if I got down on my knees
>and begged, but I would do it in a heartbeat if you could.  It's too late
>for my ferrets, but it's NOT too late for yours!!!
>
>The info is as follows (sent by Dr. Stevenson to me):
>"Checks can be made out to "University Foundation" and earmarked for
>"ferret ADV research program." You can send checks directly to me at
>
>M. A. Stevenson, DVM, PhD, DACVS
>209A Vet Med Building
>Dept. of Small Animal Medicine
>UGA College of Veterinary Medicine
>Athens, GA  30602-7390
 
The ferrets you save may be your own.
 
Sukie
 
PLEASE, save this letter so that you will have these pieces of contact
information handy anytime you wan to help improve veterinary research,
whether now, or in memory of departed loved one, or in gratitude for one
saved who is giving you kisses years later thanks to the current state of
knowledge, or because a bit of good financial luck came your way and you
want it to help others, or due to wanting to increase your contributions
before calculating your taxes (most --perhaps all -- above are tax
deductible so just ask).  Give for those reasons for for whatever other
reasons you find in life.
[Posted in FML issue 3172]