From:
Russell Prater
Date: 2001-06-20 19:22:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] Heartworms
erka2719@a... wrote:
>
> I was reading up on heartworms in ferrets and I have a few
> questions. My vet recommends heartworm preventative for dogs but not
> cats...there has only been one case of a cat with heartworms in the 5
> yrs I have worked at the vet's office. However, heartworms are not
> as deadly in cats (at least not as quickly) and they can be treated.
They are very deadly in ferrets. I've read that it only takes one or two
worms to kill a ferret because of the size of their heart.
> Should I start my ferret on preventative? Should he be tested first,
> like dogs or can we just start the preventative?
You do need to test before beginning treatment.
> Is Heartgard plus
> safe for ferrets or is interceptor better? What dose is best?
Most of the treat type preventatives for dogs and cats are very hard to
get a ferret to eat. I like and use Ivermectin, 10 mcg per pound. You
accomplish this by having your vet mix 0.3 ml of 1% ivermectin with 30
ml of propylene glycol. Then just give the fuzzy 0.1 ml per pound of the
mix once a month.
PS: I am not a vet, just relating my experiences.
--
Russ, Booger, Bonnie & Clyde
russellprater@w...
URA Redneck if you own Patsy Cline salt and pepper shakers.