Message Number: YG507 | New FHL Archives Search
From: fhbythesea@aol.com
Date: 2001-03-01 23:18:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] Emergency!

In a message dated 3/1/01 10:07:57 PM Eastern Standard Time,
JTRADFORD@w... writes:

<< Plus,she is in the process of receiving another ferret,thru a
breeder.....Isn't it a disease that STAYS around even after the ferret
is "put to sleep" Gawd,this really hurts! Please tell me all you can
about this disease in ferrets.Sounds nothing like it to me BUT I have
never read up on it.....Just know what I've heard! HELP!!! Options?
As Usual, >>

Tara

Its possible that its distemper, but the clinical signs usually appear 14-21
days after exposure. A titer test and ocular swabs can help the diagnosis. I
do have pictures of a ferret with distemper - I'll have to dig them up, scan
them and place them on the FHL site - I can tell you its not pretty.

For right now, go for the worst scenario and assume you have distemper - this
is an easily spread disease - disinfecting is mandatory. No unknown
vaccination or recently vaccinated ferrets should come into this household.
When leaving this house, the person should change clothes and disinfect
shoes. When going to the vet, the person should in my opinion, wait in their
car until their appt and the vet clinic should be aware that the possibility
of CD is present so that other clients are protected from the disease.

Disinfecting anything the ferret has come in contact is necessary also
-including food bowls, water bottles, cage, litter pan. Needless to say,
getting in another ferret right now should be postponed - especially if its a
kit with an immature immune system.

Some of the symptoms that you described sound like it might be distemper - I
sincerely hope that its not - its an ugly disease.

Lisa Leidig, Head Ferret
The Ferret Haven "By-the-Sea"
www.ferrethaven.org