Message Number: YG9594 | New FHL Archives Search
From: Russell Prater
Date: 2001-12-28 18:16:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] Adopted ferrets & shots

CowsMooToo@a... wrote:
>
> We adopted our fuzz kids back in April of this year and the folks that
> had them didn't remember when they had their last shots, so we decided
> to wait until after the first of the year (2002) for their shots, and
> I'm wondering if they just get the canine distemper, or feline
> distemper, or both, and should they get their Rabies and distemper
> shots at the same time or about a week apart?

They get canine distemper only. There are only two vaccines that are
specifically approved for ferrets, United Vaccines Fervac-D and Merial's
Purevax Ferret Distemper vaccine, but some vets give Galaxy-D off label.
You shouls space the distemper and rabies vaccination at least 2 to 3
weeks apart.

> Also, should we request any type of blood work to make sure everything
> is fine? Can adrenal disease be detected through bloodwork, or is
> that a guessing thing for the vet?
> Both of our babies are supposed to be between 3 and 4 years old, is
> there anything special to be looking for at this age?

There is a blood test for Adrenal disease which is processed by the
University of Tennessee and cost about $150, so your vet should be
rather sure before ordering that one. An in house, fasting, blood
glucose check is a good thing to do at their age to check for
insulinoma. In her book, Dr. Purcell recommends a CBC and chem panel at
3 years.

--
Russ, Booger, Bonnie & Clyde
russellprater@w...

URA Redneck if you've ever picked up a woman at a convenience store.