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]