Message Number: SG15052 | New FHL Archives Search
From: sukiec@optonline.net
Date: 2005-08-17 00:08:42 UTC
Subject: RE: Suggestions needed.
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <3350567.1124237322630.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>

>From Dr. Bruce Williams, veterinary pathologist and ferret pathology expert, in the FHL Archives:

http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org/browse.php?msg=YG11643
in part reads:
>Kennel cough is not a real problem in ferrets, and I would not
>recommend vaccinating for it. Kennel cough is a non-core vaccine in
>dogs and cats, and is generally only given to those who are likley to
>contract it - those in shows, being boarded, or around a lot of other
>dogs or cats. It is most commonly used in dogs who board at the
>vets' and only rarely in cats.

>While ferrets are susceptible to one of the agents that causes kennel
>cough in dogs and cats - Bordetella - I have yet to see a spontaneous
>case.

and

http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org/browse.php?msg=YG4145
which in part reads:

>You are correct in that kennel cough is due to one of a number of
>respiratory viruses which pave the way for later infection by
>Bordetella by "knocking out" the local immune reaction.

>While Bordetella can conceivably (but very rarely) infect other
>mammalian species, it is generally pretty well conserved to dogs, and
>poses little threat to ferrets. Ferrets are also not sensitive to
>the common viral infections that facilitate kennel cough, with the
>exception of one of the rarest, canine distemper.

and
http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org/browse.php?msg=SG4987

>Kennel cough in the dog is a combination of viral and bacterial infections and is specific >to the dog. While your ferret has a remote chance of picking up the bacterial component, >the syndrome of kennel cough is not a consideration in the ferret.

-- Sukie (not a vet)
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