From:
kath0524
Date: 2001-12-14 12:54:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Are annual vaccinations still necessary?
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "ferretkrazi" <erin.simkins@e...>
wrote:
<In the case of a ferret that reacts to the distemper vaccination,
can we measure the titer level to know whether or not to re-vaccinate
that ferret? The answer I received from the panel of very
knowledgeable ferret vets is that the "safe" titer level is not
known therefore we have nothing with which to compare our ferret's
measured titer level. <
A couple of years ago, my Lily was undergoing chemo so I didn't get
her distemper or rabies vaccinations. Her system was compromised to
the point that the vaccinations would have been ineffective. I then
worried because I do wildlife rehab and occasionally have distemper
carriers (raccoons) in my house. I addressed this on the FAIML (I
believe) and Dr. Karen Purcell (I think) said that United Vaccines
does do titer tests on ferrets so there must be some values out there
somewhere. It's been a while but I'm almost positive it was Dr.
Karen. Please forgive me if I'm wrong. I think the vet would draw
the blood and send it to United. Maybe Dr. Karen could address this.
Lily died before we got that far. In the meantime, I just didn't
allow any potential carriers in my house.
At any rate, you might have your vet contact United to see if they
still do the titer tests.
Katharine