An off-line friend of mine needs your opinion on the data received from his
vet re: his 5.5 yo male n/d ferret, Eli.
 
Eli was recently diagnosed with some liver problem - his vet has done a
second set of tests to make sure.  The following is the blood work-up
report:
 
Blood count is low (didn't have a # but will get one if needed); Glucose
112; BUN 16; Creatinine 0.8; T Protein 7.2; ALT 400 (was 600 @ first blood
test); AST within standards (was 144 @ first blood test); Calcium 8.0;
Phosphorus 6.4; Hemoglobin 18.5; Hematocrit 58.3; WBC count 4.7; RBC count
10.65; Polys 69; Bands 0; Lymph 24; Monos 5; EOS 2; BASOS 0; ADQ - MCV 55,
MCH 17.4, and MCHC 31.7; Uric Acid 1.6
 
"Male ferret 3.5# appears healthy, no external signs, no hair loss or
change, no color change, fecal matter normal, urinates normal - not
excessive." My friend was advised the liver enzymes are higher than normal
and the hemoglobin and hematocrit are at the high end.  Also, blood count is
low.
 
I did a word search for "liver" at Ferret-World web page and found many
potential areas to review in depth (liver cancer, enlarged liver, liver
complications of AAE, liver biopsy, hepatic lipidosis, and liver neoplasia)
once I receive some feedback from the FML.
 
We greatly appreciate your professional and experienced opinion.
 
Shari
 
[Posted in FML issue 1648]