From:
sukiec@optonline.net
Date: 2004-12-01 05:41:30 UTC
Subject: RE: shots
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <812351.1101879690370.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Well, there are reports in some areas of certain shots meant for dogs having a lower chance of reactions, BUT whether they work on ferrets, and if they do then for how long or how well is unknown.
The reaction rate to shots is low but anaplylactic reactions are serious reactions. In a recent discussion on the Ferret-Genetics list those who reported reactions in thier homes or shelters seemed to be talking about a range of about 2 to 4% if memory serves.
Talk with your vet about premedicating.
Make sure that your vet has epi there for use in case of a reaction. Other meds will be used as well, but if an anaphylactic reaction happens then epinephrine is the first line of defense.
The Canine Distemper vax which have been testes for effectiveness in ferrets are Fervac-D and Purevax CD vax for ferrets. Galaxy is also sometimes used. It is formulation change on Froome (sp?) D which was tested for use in ferrets. Galaxy D has not been fully tested for effectiveness in ferrets.
Remain at the veterinary hospital for something along the line of 45 minutes after the vaccine. Most serious reactions happen before the first hour has passed, many in just minutes. You'll notice that this is longer than the 20 minutes + used by humans allergics for people remaining there after allergy shots, but humans can say when they are getting dizzy, or their throat is thickening, and other see if they develop a flush or other worrisome outward signs because fur doesn't obscure the view.
It is best to separate the CDV vax and the rabies vax instead of giving them at the same time.
An allergic reaction occurs when the part of the immune system which would normally protect the body from parasitic worms (not the part used for developing immunities) has been incorrectly sensitized by a previous exposure to some component of the substance or sometimes to something very close to a component. Then on the next exposure a reaction occurs when that part of the immune system (which would normally tackle worms) overreacts as if the substance were a major attack.