From:
"Jeff"
Date: 2011-04-23 16:34:13 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Heartworm prevention
To: "Ferret Email List" <ferret-l@LISTSERV.FERRETMAILINGLIST.ORG>
With spring comes the arrival of mosquitos, and the therefore the threat of=
heartworm, which the mosquitos can transmit to a ferret. It=E2=80=99s a g=
ood time to talk to your vet about getting a prescription for some form of =
heartworm prevention, because if a ferret does contract heartworm, it=E2=80=
=99s almost always a death sentence.=20
I have used Revolution for several years now, once a month, during mosquito=
season (usually May 1 =E2=80=93 October 1 around here in CT). There may b=
e some debate as to just how much selemectin (the active ingredient in Revo=
lution) is needed to safely guard against heartworms. Some vets and studi=
es suggest it=E2=80=99s 12 mg per kg of body weight monthly, others 18 mg m=
onthly, or more. I feel it=E2=80=99s better to err on the side of caution,=
so I make sure mine get at least 18 mg of selemectin monthly during mosqui=
to season. This translates to 1/2 of a tube of Revolution, the size for ca=
ts from 5-15 lbs. This tube contains 45 mg total, so half a tube is approx=
imately 22 mg, something I=E2=80=99m comfortable with.
Unfortunately, the cost of Revolution has gone up considerably in just the =
last two years, and a 6-pack of the size for cats 5-15 lbs. will range from=
around $85 =E2=80=93 $100. But given the cost of other things we do to ke=
ep our little ones healthy, $15 per month to prevent something like heartwo=
rm is really a relatively small price to pay.=20
I do have a copy of a study that was done with several species of animals, =
including ferrets, that recommends 18 mg/kg monthly for heartworm preventio=
n for ferrets. I can forward that to anyone who=E2=80=99s interested in re=
ading it.
Jeff
In Loving Memory of Neo, Trinity, Morphy, Possum, Pip, Pop, Hunny, Sabrina,=
Minnie Mouse, Misty, Frodo, Baggins, and Mr. Parker
Caring for Luna, Baby Girl, and Dozer
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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