>...  Question is, do they "realllllyyy" need that distemper shot?
 
Michele -
 
Yes, if he can be given a distemper vaccination safely you need to get
it for him.  (Obviously, if he reacts to all distemper vaccinations you
can't.)  Check with your vet about what particular vaccination was used
and if there is a different type of distemper vaccination you can have
given to him "next" time.  (I believe there are 2 distemper vaccinations
currently approved for ferrets -- but I may be getting confused with
rabies vaccinations.  Somebody else on here can probably give you more
specifics in that regard and the info you want about pretreatment.)
 
Distemper is 100% deadly to ferrets.  To top it off it is a very ugly way
for a ferret to go.  They can be sick for months with it before they
succumb and once they contract the illness there is no cure.  You
literally are stuck watching your baby whither away before your eyes.
 
Distemper can very easily be transmitted and they don't need direct
contact with another infected animal to catch it.  Even if your ferrets
stay indoors you could transmit it to them from your shoes.  All you would
have to do is unknowing step in something contaminated (i.e. doggie doo
doo) and not realize it.
 
Rabies, although also dangerous, is harder to contract (i.e. a bite
needs to occur).  So if your ferret is sensitive to that vaccine it is
less of a concern in terms of risks you are exposing him to if you
don't vaccinate him. (Although for legal reasons should he bite
somebody it is advisable to have him vaccinated against this too).
 
Did the vet give him only a distemper vaccintation?  Or did the vet
administer vaccinations for rabies and distemper at once?  (Just be
certain that you know for sure what vaccination he reacted to).  Also,
make sure you know the name of the vaccination he reacted to so that you
can let any other vet you may have deal with in the futre know this.
 
Good luck!
Lorraine
[Posted in FML issue 3679]