From:
katharine
Date: 2002-05-07 15:22:00 UTC
Subject: Re: the value of some medical procedures on your sick
ferretorms
Check out this article by Dr. Kemmerer. It just might change
your mind about heartworm prevention. The one ferret who gets
heartworms because of the "laws of probability" NOT being in
its favor is most likely assured a senseless death. The laws
of probability also say our ferrets will not contract rabies
or distemper but I believe that's a foolish reason not to
vaccinate. Do you know that diphtheria (sp?) and tetanus are
becoming quite active again because humans are not keeping
themselves vaccinated?
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/heartworm.htm
Blood Tests: Russell posted how to do blood glucose tests at
home without anesthesia. What kind of stress would that put
on your ferret? Early detection of problems (and monitoring)
can help assure longer, healthier, happier lives.
I'm probably the opposite extreme from you. I have my
ferrets' blood routinely tested (CBC) at least once a year
after they are about 3 y.o. I take everyone in twice a year
for general check-ups (rabies vaccinations in January;
distemper vaccinations in July). I have skin tumors removed
on the off-chance it's a cancer. I believe that it's my
responsibility to provide the best care that I can for any
animals in my care.
BTW, if bats are becoming scarce in your area, thus allowing
for more mosquitoes, wouldn't that increase the probability
that your ferrets could be bitten by an infected mosquito?
Katharine