From:
"Roger Vaughn"
Date: 2003-03-19 22:44:36 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] RE: Adoption Scare
To: <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
Message-ID: <49633.192.168.132.35.1048113876.squirrel@mail.seaconinc.com>
> I'm very short on time but read up on ECE, ADV and Coccidia as more
> common things to watch out for. It would not hurt to learn about
> Canine Distemper, either.
Ear mites are a *very* common problem, too, but nothing to be scared
of. Just make sure to cure them completely before you introduce the
ferrets to each other.
There isn't much you can do about ECE except watch for the signs.
Since a previously infected ferret can still be shedding the virus
more than six months later, quarantine for it is impractical for a
private owner. If Wish already had ECE once, he should be fine and
won't get it again. Many of the kits that have come out of MF in the
past year have been exposed.
You aren't likely to get an ADV-positive ferret, but it's a good idea
to test anyway. The Avecon in-home test kit (POCT) is a simple way to
test, though it's not the most accurate. You can get more info or
order one from http://www.avecon.com.
For coccidia, ear mites, and other parasites, just have the new ferret
checked by your vet before you introduce him or her to Wish. Make
sure to have a fecal test run for internal parasites. Get those
vaccinations started if necessary, start treating for mites if
necessary, and start on heartworm meds. (Revolution will take care of
both mites and heartworm prevention if you want to use it.) It would
be a good idea to quarantine the new kid in your home during any
treatments and for one to two weeks afterwards before letting them
interact. (Keep them well separated - no sniffing each other through
cage bars!)
You run risks whether you purchase a kit from a store or whether you
adopt from a shelter. Either one could be shedding the ECE virus.
Either could have ear mites or other things - it depends quite a bit
on the quality of care at the store or shelter you choose. I would
think you would be less likely to find ADV in a pet store kit, but on
the other hand, many shelters will have already tested their ferrets
for it. Shelter ferrets are almost always going to be vaccinated
already, as well. Kits you will have to have vaccinated yourself.
Personally I don't think the store vs. shelter question revolves
around the health of the ferret, but rather around the individual
ferret, the ferret's personality, and what you feel is best. Do you
feel strongly about giving your money to a pet store vs. a ferret
shelter? If so that may guide your decision.
Short-term quarantine is best in either case, but if you want to take
the risk (and personally I think it's a tiny risk if you find a
well-run shelter), you could probably take Wish to the shelter with
you and let him pick out his own buddy. Shoot, some pet stores will
let you do this too, but the health risk is FAR greater.
roger & the wolverine wannabees
missing bear