This one should interest a number of people since how accurate the
portable blood glucose testers are is a question often asked. I suspect
that the veterinary meter tested was likely to be the Alpha Trak since
many vets use and recommend that one, but since I do not have the
actual study I could be wrong, of course.
BEGIN QUOTE
J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2013 Feb 1;242(3):350-4. doi:
10.2460/javma.242.3.350.
Evaluation of portable blood glucose meters for measurement of blood
glucose concentration in ferrets (Mustela putorius furo).
Petritz OA, Antinoff N, Chen S, Kass PH, Paul-Murphy JR.
Source
Gulf Coast Avian & Exotics, Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists, 1111
W Loop S, Ste 110, Houston, TX 77027.
Abstract
Objective-To evaluate agreement of 3 models of portable blood glucose
meters (PBGMs; 2 designed for use with human samples and 1 designed for
veterinary use) with a laboratory analyzer for measurement of blood
glucose concentrations in ferrets (Mustela putorius furo).
Design-Evaluation study.
Animals-52 ferrets.
Procedures-Samples were analyzed with 4 PBGMs (whole blood) and a
laboratory analyzer (plasma). Two PBGMs of the model designed for
veterinary use were tested; each was set to a code corresponding to
canine or feline sample analysis throughout the study. Agreement and
bias between measurements obtained with the PBGMs and the laboratory
analyzer were assessed with Bland-Altman plots. Linear regression
analysis was performed to evaluate associations with venipuncture site
by comparison of central (jugular) and peripheral (lateral saphenous or
cephalic) venous blood samples. Results-Plasma glucose concentrations
measured with the laboratory analyzer ranged from 41 to 160 mg/dL.
Results from the PBGM for veterinary use coded to test a canine blood
sample had the greatest agreement with the laboratory analyzer (mean
bias, 1.9 mg/dL); all other PBGMs significantly underestimated blood
glucose concentrations. A PBGM designed for use with human samples had
the least agreement with the laboratory analyzer (mean bias, -34.0
mg/dL). Blood glucose concentration was not significantly different
between central and peripheral venous blood samples for any analyzer
used.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Significant underestimation of
blood glucose concentrations as detected for 3 of the 4 PBGMs used in
the study could have a substantial impact on clinical decision making.
Verification of blood glucose concentrations in ferrets with a
laboratory analyzer is highly recommended.
PMID: 23327177 [PubMed - in process]
END QUOTE
---
The secondary transmission info here might be useful. I do not know
how much different Canine Distemper variants differ in infectivity and
that might be useful veterinary info if strain testing is used given
how much illnesses cross even continents these days and if a table
of strains is being made by a vet student, and this info might be
something shelters will want, especially if anyone is working on a
CDV strain differences table like for a senior vet project:
QUOTE
J Gen Virol. 2013 Feb;94(Pt 2):293-7. doi: 10.1099/vir.0.42473-0.
Experimental infection and natural contact exposure of ferrets with
canine influenza virus (H3N2).
Lee YN, Lee DH, Park JK, Yuk SS, Kwon JH, Nahm SS, Lee JB, Park SY,
Choi IS, Song CS.
Source
Avian Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk
University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea.
Abstract
Epidemics of H3N2 canine influenza virus (CIV) among dogs in South
Korea and southern China have raised concern over the potential for
zoonotic transmission of these viruses. Here, we analysed the
pathogenesis and transmissibility of H3N2 CIV in ferret. H3N2 CIV
replicated efficiently in the respiratory system of inoculated ferrets
and caused acute necrotizing bronchioalveolitis and non-suppurative
encephalitis. Transmission of H3N2 CIV was detected in three of six
ferrets co-housed with inoculated ferrets, but no viruses were detected
in second-contact ferrets. These findings show that H3N2 CIV has the
capacity to replicate in and transmit partially among co-housed ferrets
and underscore the need for continued public health surveillance.
PMID: 23329681 [PubMed - in process]
END QUOTE
If CDV strains vary widely in how transmittable they are then knowing
strain type becomes important when an infection occurs. It may cause
changes in approaches for treatment, for example, with less euthanasia
and more use of Vitamin A and anti-virals when strains may be more
likely to respond to treatment. It also means that studies like the
one showing how very effective sufficient Vitamin A intake can be for
ferrets when CDV is the disease under study might need to take into
account which strains are used IF the strains vary a lot. This becomes
important, especially for vets, and for ferret and animal shelters.
Sukie (not a vet) Ferrets make the world a game.
Recommended ferret health links:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/
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
"All hail the procrastinators for they shall rule the world tomorrow."
(2010, Steve Crandall)
A nation is as free as the least within it.
[Posted in FML 7677]
|
