To Jody concerning heartworm treatment -
 
>All the other critters I've had and do have require more than just the annual
>vaccinations as far as health care goes (ie, worming program for the horses,
>heartworm preventitive and etc for the dogs...) and I was wondering
>if there is anything that I need to make sure the vet covers when I take them
>in (or that I need to take them in for now). Seems Dr. Williams mentioned
>something about ferrets being
>on the heartworm stuff in an issue not too long ago, and we are in a part of
>the country where it's highly recommended for dogs (OK).
 
        Yes, Jody, I think heartworm prevention would be recommended in your
area for your ferret.  Concerning the lack of other checks during the annual
physical - there are just not as many for ferrets as for dogs and cats.  A
yearly fecal in always a good idea for any species, but it is fairly rare to
find anything of note.  Also, checking the ears for ear mites is always
required, and often yields positive results (and a couple of weeks of work for
the ferret owner.
 
        Other than that, and a good physical, your yearly chores are done.
 
       Bruce Williams, DVM                 Department of Veterinary Pathology
       [log in to unmask]         Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
       (202) 576-2453/2454                 Washington, D.C.  20306-6000
 
[Posted in FML issue 0956]