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Post by pear2apple on Jun 27, 2008 11:25:47 GMT -5
Hi Guys. I need to test Apple for ADV, its been over a year since he's been last tested. Plus, if I'm getting another ferret, I should def test him beforehand, or at the very least, the same time.
Now question, how do I test for this? Is this something I could go to the vet for? If I take future ferret to the vet for a checkup anyway, couldn't I get them both tested at the same time?
Or, is this something I get in the mail? Do I have to take a sample of blood from him? Seriously? Or am I misreading something? I'm really confused, but I gotta do this soon! Educate me! Thanks
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Post by eddie106 on Jul 1, 2008 20:36:27 GMT -5
I am new at this too but I read somewhere you can send a saliva sample instead of blood. I just wrote to the lab that does this to see if this was true and as soon as I hear from them I will let you know...
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Post by buzzonesbirdie on Jul 1, 2008 21:39:08 GMT -5
I do the salvia test with mine and it works out well
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Post by tsslilsis on Jul 2, 2008 9:09:24 GMT -5
I've read the saliva test isn't as accurate. So I wouldn't use it.. But you get the blood sample by cutting the quick of the nail, and putting the blood in capillary tubes.
-~Ketlin
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Post by nwheather on Jul 2, 2008 10:58:18 GMT -5
I've read the saliva test isn't as accurate. So I wouldn't use it.. But you get the blood sample by cutting the quick of the nail, and putting the blood in capillary tubes. -~Ketlin The saliva Avecon test is supposed to be as accurate as the Blue Cross blood test....from what I have heard..
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Post by pear2apple on Jul 2, 2008 12:13:04 GMT -5
OK, so the saliva test sounds less painful for both of us. Now where do I get all the stuff I need for the test? I'd like to have this info ASAP because I hope to have a new ferret this weekend!!!! And I'm scheduling a vet checkup for the new guy within a week of having him, so info ahead of time would be good.
THanks!
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Post by nwheather on Jul 2, 2008 13:22:36 GMT -5
I am getting the little containers from a rescue/breeder, but I think Avecon will send them to you(?) Then you use sterile q-tips & sterile saline solution. There's directions on the Avecon website.
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Post by pear2apple on Jul 2, 2008 13:56:29 GMT -5
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Post by wienercat on Jul 8, 2008 0:07:02 GMT -5
ok i cant do either of those things. The vet will have to do it... this skeeeeeves me out! OMG i couldnt cut the quick! the one time i did it by accident i almost puked.
i dont have time to do all this myself.... especially since it seems silly that NO test is accurate or so the ferretadv site says. It takes 6 months of retesting to find out and then it's not even for sure. Nor do i trust the mail in my area.... too likely the sample would get lost.
No-can-do. Vet it is or ill take my chances... ESPECIALLY since i have a very SMALL apartment, and no way to prevent the spread even if they sleep separately.... i mean i'm the common denominator along with an apartment of carpeting.
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Post by pear2apple on Jul 8, 2008 8:32:32 GMT -5
Your vet should be able to do this. But you will be paying extra for them to do it. I think I will get the vials from the vet, but hopefully just do it myself.
Its important you test your animals, and since you say you can't "prevent the spread to your animals" you could at least prevent them from contacting it from other animals, or giving it to other animals.
I'm not sure if I misread it, but I'm almost positive it said the blood test and the saliva test were just as accurate for results. You don't need to cut the quick, you can take a saliva swab like they do on CSI.
I am confused about the tubes/vials though. I can just take my own q-tips and saline (like from my contacts?) and just wipe it in his mouth and put it in the saline? Thats how I read the directions. More experienced board members please respond!
I haven't gotten any vials yet, hopefully the vet will just give me some, I don't know where I could buy some. Any suggestions? Thanks
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Post by pear2apple on Jul 9, 2008 9:49:03 GMT -5
Alright everyone, I was sick of being confused, so I just called Avecon and asked them myself!
I can use my contact solution saline and a Q-tip. Then stick it in a vial or anything that seals and still covers the Q-tip with saliva on it!
That order form is for sending out your samples to get tested.
Piece of cake.
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Post by nwheather on Jul 11, 2008 11:12:08 GMT -5
ok i cant do either of those things. The vet will have to do it... this skeeeeeves me out! OMG i couldnt cut the quick! the one time i did it by accident i almost puked. i dont have time to do all this myself.... especially since it seems silly that NO test is accurate or so the ferretadv site says. It takes 6 months of retesting to find out and then it's not even for sure. Nor do i trust the mail in my area.... too likely the sample would get lost. No-can-do. Vet it is or ill take my chances... ESPECIALLY since i have a very SMALL apartment, and no way to prevent the spread even if they sleep separately.... i mean i'm the common denominator along with an apartment of carpeting. It says that no test is 100% accurate. The ELISA blood & Avecon saliva are supposed to be fairly accurate, but not necessarily 100%. If you think about it, there are many medical tests (people & animal) that are not 100% accurate, there's often many factors that can affect them. I checked with my vet about cost of ADV testing, & it's WAY expensive, so I get my containers from a friend, & stick to the saliva one, unless/until something better comes along. I have heard of people just not testing. I would rather test on a regular basis, & have a better chance at knowing.
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Post by pear2apple on Jul 11, 2008 11:37:39 GMT -5
Copy that. I just got my vials from my vet. I am testing them both next week and mailing it out! The vials were free too!
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