>My guys have had these shots before and I know they don't get reactions
>from either shot and they have had them in the past together, even if I
>signed a disclaimer, he would not do this.  Don't get me wrong, for a
>ferret that hasn't had the shots before, it is a good protective reason
>but for me and my guys, it is making one visit into 2.
 
The allergic reaction from the vaccination actually requires that the
ferret have previously been exposed to the allergen.  If it is truly the
first vaccination of that type, then there is little likelihood of a
reaction.  From what our shelter vet told us, an allergic reaction to
substances in the vaccine is more likely to occur between the third and
fifth exposure.  That isn't to say that you can quit worrying after the
5 th vaccination.
 
This is the text of a FAX sent to me by Dr. Mills of then, Rhone Merieux
who manufactures the IMRAB - 3 rabies vaccine.
 
"October 12. 1994
 
Attention Veterinarians and Ferret Owners
 
[Dr. Z. Mills, Senior Staff Veterinarian with Veterinary Services of
Rhone Merieux, Inc., asked if I would post the following information for
veterinarians and ferret owners.  It may be re-posted on any other board
providing it is posted in its entirety and no changes are made in its
content.]
 
Although vaccine reactions in ferrets associated with the administration
of currently available canine distemper and rabies vaccines are very rare,
they can be very serious.  Anaphylaxis, with severe diarrhea and collapse
can occur with any biological agent.  Because of this, Rhone Merieux
believes that any vaccination should be performed under the supervision
of a licensed veterinarian.
 
In order to reduce the potential for an allergic reaction, Dr. Mills
recommends administration of rabies and distemper vaccinations at separate
time intervals.  He suggests a minimum of two (2) weeks between each
vaccination.  Should a ferret show symptoms of an allergic reaction to any
vaccination the owner/veterinarian should weigh the benefits against the
risk of any future inoculations.  If the decision is to have vaccine
administered, the owner should make sure the veterinarian is aware of the
previous reaction.  The veterinarian will likely premedicate the ferret
prior to a vaccination.  Afterwards, the ferret should be kept at the
veterinarian's office for observation for the remainder of the day.
 
Rhone Merieux is always interested in collecting data on any apparent
vaccine reaction.  Veterinarians are asked to fax Dr. Mills at
(706) 543-1667 with the following information on the ferret.
 
Age
Sex
Intact or altered
Early or mature before alteration
Weight
Color
Past history of vaccination
Serial number of vaccine
Concurrent vaccinations or medications given
Date administered
 
posted by:
Dick Bossart
4 Littl Paws Ferret Shelter
Merrimack, NH
[Posted in FML issue 3187]