In my very firm opinion formed by too many critical and near fatal
reactions to Fervac-D... First of all... WAIT.
 
Have your vet order Purevax for your ferrets.  I will never give Fervac-D
again.  Yes, it does cost a little more.  But it's a lot cheaper than the
cost of Fervac-D plus emergency care or the death of your ferret.
 
If your ferret has NEVER had an allergic reaction to a vaccination this
article applies to you.  The possibility of a reaction increases with
each vaccination.
 
FDA approved vaccines for ferrets are Imrab-3 for rabies, Fervac-D or
Purevax for canine distemper.  Many vets mistakenly give "dog" vaccines
which should NOT be given to ferrets.  As the dilulant of Fervac-D can
cause allergic reactions including potentially fatal anaphylactic shock,
Ferrets First has, upon vet recommendation adopted the following
protocol:
 
Administer 0.5cc (ferret weight less than 2 lbs) to 1cc (greater than 3
pounds) of Children's Liquid Benedryl once daily for 3 days previous to
vaccination.  Administer same dosage no more than 30 minutes prior to
vaccination.  Inject 1/2 of the vaccine per vial subcutaneous in flank
area for ferrets weighing less than 4 pounds.  Repeat Benedryl dosage the
day following vaccination.  For ferrets that have previously had allergic
reaction to Fervac-D, Benedryl pre-treatment is the same dosage, once
daily for 5 days.  Azium (Dexamethasone), dosage as directed per label,
should be administered prior to vaccination by the vet.  Mild reactions
of nausea have been observed and treated with additional injection of
Azium.
 
Allergic reactions to Purevax and Imrab-3 are less common but HAVE been
known to occur.  As a safety precaution:    ALWAYS PRETREAT for ALL
vaccinations.
 
Debi Christy
www.ferrets1st.com
[Posted in FML issue 5065]