**The advice dispensed by myself in reference to FML postings is not meant to supplant the advice of veterinarians who are in charge of the patient. If the patient is not currently under the care of a veterinarian, the client is recommended to take their ferret to one.** >From: Tryntje Miller <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: vasectomy, urine analysis >Two questions. I was asked what the gravity was for ferret's urine... Specific gravity is a measure of the concentration of the urine. Normal concentrated urine of a ferret should be higher than 1.030 (distilled water = 1.000). If the specific gravity is higher than 1.030, you know there is at least 1/3 of functional kidney mass left. If it is less than 1.030, you may have 1) dilute urine because of increased water consumption, 2) less than 1/3 functional kidney mass, 3) metabolic disease (such as diabetes mellitus) that cause what is termed solute diuresis or 4) interference of the normal hormonal control of electrolytes, etc. by the kidneys. Testosterone is still present with a vasectomy so marking will still occur. >From: "Cinda B. Beach" <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Heartworm medicine >My vet has never given any heartworm medicine for ferrets. She says it's >very uncommon for ferrets to get it, just like it is for cats. (I never Heartworm is uncommon in ferrets. There is not an easy way to test ferrets that has a high level of accuracy for the small adult worm burden that ferrets get in the disease. The SNAP or CITE from IDEXX seems best. Preventive medications are very non-toxic and the monthly chewable Heartgard30 is usually used. One third of a chewy is used once a month. There are very valid concerns regarding how well the ivermectin (the active ingredient) is mixed throughout the chewable tablet. Mike Dutton, DVM, DABVP Weare Animal Hospital Weare, NH. [Posted in FML issue 1555]