Linda Iroff <[log in to unmask]> wrote on 4/20/2006, 2:00 AM:
>I know the importance of testing, since ADV+ ferrets may not show any
>symptoms.  But what are the most common symptoms when they do get sick?
>I'd like to tell my vet under what circumstances he might want to do an
>ADV test in a sick ferret that is presented to him.
 
Unfortunately, the symptoms can vary widely, and often mimic other better
know diseases.
 
Most veterinary texts will say that the most common symptoms are
lethargy, unexplained wasting, especially of muscle mass, and hind end
weakness or paralysis.  Yet, I have only seen this in one of my ADV+
kids.
 
How the ADV affects a ferret will largely depend on what part of the body
the antigen/antibody complexes deposit.  They can deposit in the spine,
in which case they will cause neurological problems.  If they deposit
in one of the organs, then you will see symptoms related to that organ.
Many people report ADV+ ferret developing a cough, but again, this is
not universal.
 
I would suggest that if a ferret has not been tested, and presents with z
a problem that the vet cannot diagnose, that an ADV test be done.
 
For example, suppose someone brings in a ferret with hind end weakness.
This could be related to an insulinoma or even to lymphoma, But, after
examination and testing, not evidence of either is found.  If the ADV
status of the ferret isn't known, then it should be tested to eliminate
that as a possible cause.
 
Also, ferrets with ADV will usually have an abnormally high blood protein
level, or a normal blood protein level but with a high gammaglobulin
level.  If a blood test is done on a sick ferret, and high proteins are
found, it is worth running an ADV test.  There are other problems that
can cause a high blood protein level, such as a chronic infection, but
high proteins are considered a hallmark of ADV.
 
ADV+ ferrets can also be prone to becoming anemic.  This happens because
the kidneys actually play a role in the production of red blood cells.
They do not make the cells, but they signal the bone marrow when new
cells are needed.  If the immune complexes deposit in the kidneys, it
can cause the kidneys to stop signaling the bone marrow to make new red
cells.  If this happens, the problem can be easily corrected with shots
of Procrit or another epogen product.
 
There are 2 things that most people with ADV+ ferrets notice.  Again,
these are things that can happen without ADV being present, but they do
seem to happen with the majority of ADV+ ferrets.
 
The first is that the claws will grow more rapidly, and are often
thicker then ADV- ferrets.  I find that I have to clip the claws of my
positive ferrets twice as often.
 
The second is that ferrets with ADV seem to be very prone to dental and
gum problems, even at an early age.
 
Harry <[log in to unmask]> wrote on 4/20/2006, 2:00 AM:
>Having never seen ADV what would be the first indictor for the ferret
>owner to look for other than the testing?
>
>Also how is the Aleutian's disease transmitted from ferret to ferret?
 
The answer to the first question is pretty much covered in my answer to
Linda, I think.
 
As to the second, there is still some controversy on that.
 
There was a study done 15 or 20 years ago that concluded that ADV was an
airborne virus.  However, previous and subsequent studies have all pretty
much concluded that this is not correct.
 
Most of the researchers agree that ADV is most likely transmitted though
the bodily fluids of the infected animal.  This would include the saliva,
blood, semen, urine and feces.  If a ferret coughs or sneezes, then the
virus can be transmitted through the air via droplets of saliva or mucus,
but this would only amount to a few feet.
 
Ferrets love to sniff where another ferret has gone to the bathroom, and
this is very likely the most common route of transmission.
 
Pregnant jills can also pass the virus on to their unborn kits.  It
should be noted, though, that all kits born from ADV+ jills are not
necessarily going to be ADV positive,  However, it is not worth taking
a chance, and ADV+ jills should not be bred.
--
Danee DeVore
International Ferret Congress Health Issues Coordinator
http://www.ferretcongress.org
ADV - If your ferret hasn't been tested, you don't know!
For more information visit: http://www.ferretadv.com
You can help fight ADV!
Visit: http://help4adv.terrabox.com/
[Posted in FML issue 5219]