From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2002-01-27 12:03:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] Ferret Shots?????
Hi,
The usual disclaimer applies: I am not a vet. However, I have done a
number of rescues over the past four years and certainly have taken
ferts who have not been properly immunized to the vet. So...
You need to take Tiny and Lexy to an experienced ferret vet ASAP. They
will probably get two (or perhaps three) distemper shots a couple of
weeks apart since they have not had the full initial series. A rabies
shot should follow two weeks after that.
In the future, Tiny and Lexy will need to be immunized for both rabies
and distemper once a year, again with the shots two weeks apart. The
good news is that after the initial series you are looking at only one
distemper shot a year. Figure on spending $50-$60 per ferret on
immunization every year for the rest of their lives, which hopefully
will be for many years to come. Obviously this year will be more
expensive.
There are two reasons it is urgent that they get vaccinated. First,
distemper is 100% fatal in ferrets. Second, if someone claims they were
bitten by Tiny or Lexy (even in your home, even if it's not exactly
true) they can be killed and tested for rabies in most places if you
don't have proof of a current rabies vaccination. If they are
vaccinated they will likely be quarantined for 10 days instead. At
least that's how it works where I live.
Also, I would really recommend that you either buy a copy of Ferrets for
Dummies or else read the Ferret Central website
(http://www.ferretcentral.org) to find out what else you might have
missed. By learning all you can now you'll be prepared if Tiny or Lexy
need your help later in life and you'll be certain that you are doing
the very best for the ferrets you love now.
All the best,
Caity and the terrific 10
P.S.: I see you're a Pink Floyd fan. Me too, most especially their
earlier albums.