FERRET-SEARCH@LISTSERV.FERRETMAILINGLIST.ORG
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Thu, 8 Dec 1994 00:20:26 -0500 |
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Laura L'Heureux says:
> My own additional $.02 is that although the risk of a ferret contracting
> distemper is small, if it were to happen, there is absolutely no cure. As
> far as we know, it is 100% lethal in ferrets. ...
> Vaccinating a sensitive
> animal is a risk. But it is one for which we can be prepared. Accidents are
> not. ...
Two years ago, Jerry, one of our two 5 year olds, had a moderate reaction to
FervacD (some vomiting). This past year she had a violent reaction to FervacD
that almost killed her. The next time she gets FervacD may very well kill her,
especially since I believe that subsequent reactions in a sensitized animal (or
human) are likely worse than a prior reaction. I was prepared to take the risk
using a antihistamine shot in advance if the vaccine used was FrommD. I am not
prepared to take the risk and subject her again to FervacD. I have doubts that
a preparatory antihistamine shot would be enough.
It is a matter of balancing risks --- I judge the small chance of getting
distemper a better risk than the high chance of Jerry dying of anaphylactic
shock if she were vaccinated again with FervacD. With other ferrets that have
not previously had a violent reaction to this vaccine the risk balance and
conclusion would be different.
The youngest, Buttercup, has had no reaction to FervacD and will continue to be
vaccinated. I hope that the situation with GalaxyD has been resolved by the
time Ben & Jerry come up for vaccination in May.
--- Bill Sebok
[Posted in FML issue 1036]
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