From:
sukiec@optonline.net
Date: 2004-06-20 02:09:19 UTC
Subject: RE: vaccine reactions
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <3685878.1087697359416.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
> I have had 3 ferrets that have had reactions to either distemper (1 was fatal) or >rabies vaccines. They were all 2 1/2 yrs. of age. Someone else I know also had a >ferret have a distemper reaction at age 2 1/2. Is this common to have reactions >after the 5th distemper vaccine?
I don't know of anyone who has looked at ages most likley for beginning allergies. Years ago I was told that young adulthood is a common time among humans (though I don't know if current research indicates that this really is the case), although allergies can start at any age. It would be interesting if the individuals who are more inclined to allergies would be more likley to do so at certain ages. Better precautions could be taken then.
> My vet suggested that I give my ferrets their vaccines every 3 yrs. rather than omit >them all together. She said there has been studies done on the 1-yr. vaccine for >dogs and cats and it was found that the vaccines actually last 3 yrs, altho these >studies aren't conclusive.
Nor can it be assumed that they generalize to ferrets.
When rabies vax were first being tested for effectiveness and safety in ferrets one vax tested (and among those dropped) worked normal lengths of time in some otehr animals but in ferrets they were effective only for 6 months.
Years ago a vet we had (who has since moved) had some ferrets with canine distemper brought to him. The youngest had never been vaccinated and died. The older ones had been vaccinated something like two or three years before. They still got canine distemeper, but more mildly, so that with a lot of careful care they were able to survive, but with permanent damage.
Legally, doing something other than the annual vax recommendation in the Compendium for Animal Rabies Prevention and Control could lead to death for the ferret if someone says your ferret bit him or her.
> My questions are these - IF the reactions are being caused by a build-up of the >vaccine titer, is it safe to assume a ferret wouldn't get a reaction if the vaccine is >given every 3 yrs.? Also, does anyone else agree that a ferret should have >adequate coverage for 3 yrs. with the current vaccines?
Without studies first I would not assume it.
I do have to say that when we have a ferret who has a serious illness, is undergoing use of some meds (like Imuran), or has had anaphylactic reactions we don't vaccinate that individual again.
>And again, is 2 1/2 yrs. the magic age to have a reaction?
They happen at any age.
> Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me. I don't know if I should go along >with waiting 3 yrs. for my 2 ferrets that have had reactions and my 1 ferret who >has not.
> Amy Hartnett
What TYPE of vaccine was used? Purevax is considered by a number of vets to have a lower rate of reactions.
Were the vaccines separated by a few weeks when they were given?
Was there pre-medication?
What treatments were used for the reactions? Fluids, steroids, epi, oxygen, antihistamines, what?
Death almost never happens, though with anaphylactic reactions there is always the risk. What were the conditions that death occured? Did they not have you stay in the hospital for 45 minutes of more after the shots to be safest?
End of ferrethealth Digest
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