Katharine wrote: >Isn't there a test for distemper? Bloodwork? Titers? Why not get a >definitive diagnosis before euthanizing him? For an overview of the types of tests and the shortcomings of each scroll down in <http://www.pet-informed-veterinary-advice-online.com/canine-distemper.html> to the appropriate section. There is at least one better test now for canine distemper, PCR (genetic IDing), but it is not at all widely available, though I will tell where it can be done in a few lines. Other forms of Canine Distemper testing historically have a range of associated deficiencies unless there are viral inclusions present in blood cells. Anyone interested can find info on getting better testing than standard labs offer: http://www.ferrethealth.msu.edu/ which offers very specialized testing for a range of diseases. Some of these can be less definitively tested for in other ways or can be tested for down to the level of general category with other tests but take the very specialized test to know specifically what disease is present. It's really a gift to the ferret community that it is available. Notice there: > PCR, immunohistochemistry and serology for canine distemper Sukie (not a vet) Recommended ferret health links: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/ http://ferrethealth.org/archive/ http://www.afip.org/ferrets/index.html http://www.miamiferret.org/ http://www.ferrethealth.msu.edu/ http://www.ferretcongress.org/ http://www.trifl.org/index.shtml http://homepage.mac.com/sukie/sukiesferretlinks.html all ferret topics: http://listserv.ferretmailinglist.org/archives/ferret-search.html [Posted in FML 6413]
