My veterinarian really pushes *complete* blood tests, and other tests
like urinalysis for ferrets.  Of course this adds to the vet bill.  Or
does it?  My 6 year old Buddy has cardiomyopathy, and only one struggling
kidney.  He has been doing well with medication.  Last week I noticed
he was shivering.  Nothing else seemed *off*, just the shivering, even
when asleep.  It wasn't quite time to re-do the blood work, etc. but I
decided to have his glucose level checked.  Dr. recommended a complete
test, and urinalysis that I agreed to.  Next day Dr. calls to tell me
Buddy has a nasty urinary tract infection.  Buddy was put on Baytril,
and in the meantime a culture is being done to determine this is the
best antibiotic.  Had this not been caught until Buddy showed more
symptoms, I would most likely have a very sick ferret, and the vet
bill would be even higher.
 
Ardith
who is very grateful to have a wonderful ferret knowledgeable vet
[Posted in FML issue 4646]