FERRET-SEARCH@LISTSERV.FERRETMAILINGLIST.ORG
|
|
Subject: | |
From: | |
Date: | Tue, 30 Oct 2001 22:30:50 -0500 |
Content-Type: | text/plain |
Parts/Attachments: |
|
|
> - excessively high red blood cell count
> - 72% of red blood cells vs serum (normal values in the 50% range?)
> in a centrifuge test to separate sells from serum
> - 15,000 cells per microliter in the count of number of red blood
> cells per field on the slide (normal 6k-11k/microliter?)
Gotta say that I'd not start treatment at this time, with no conclusive
evidence for what's going on. I have seen elevated red cell counts
before, and at 72% in an otherwise pretty normal ferret, I would schedule
for a repeat CBC and monitor the condition. I have seen these counts go
back to normal more often than not. I am currently treating a ferret for
polycythemia vera (which is a cancer of the bone marrow that produces
excessive red cells) and his presenting red cell count was over 90%.
However, if the elevated red count should persist, then some testing
should be considered. A splenic aspirate is a possibility, and so is a
bone marrow aspirate. I have seen ferrets with adrenal disease have
elevated red counts, so that should be looked into.
Good luck, and hopefully this is a transient thing, and not a cause for
alarm.
Dr. Ruth
*****************************************
Save lives - spay or neuter your pet.
[Posted in FML issue 3588]
|
|
|