Lorraine  -  I know you asked this question a couple of days ago  -
and I'm sure someone else has also answered it - but I also haven't read
the last couple of issues.  I lost one of my babies last night - and I've
been spending so much time with her that I've not been able to spend much
time on the computer.  Yes!  I have a ferret with allergies.  When I
"rescued" Whiskey, he was being kept outdoors, his belly was all red, with
dark red sore spots.  He would look at you from his way too small carrier
(which was his home, by the way) and he could hardly open his eyes.  The
vet his owner went to at the time told her that he was allergic to himself
(THAT statement went over real good with my vet...).
Anyhow, I asked for him and she gave him to me.  He improved a lot by being
taken in the house, given clean blankets once a week instead of once every
couple of months - and receiving baths.
    We began a regimen of "allergy" shots -  Depomedrol at first - its a
long lasting cortisone I believe (Dr. W can correct me here...) but he
began to show some signs of reaction to that, so we switched to Vetalog - a
two-week variety.  Let's see, if I dont mash it up, Vetalog is a brand name
for Triamincinolone (or something real close).  These help a lot!  My
ferrets also have a HEPA filter (mostly for Whiskey) and an air conditioner
in the summer.  Generally he can go most of all summer without an allergy
shot.  Except for this year!  This has been the worst year ever at my vets
for Whiskey and for animals (and, I might add, half the staff!)
   Anyhow, when Whiskey gets bad, he also becomes very nasal, stuffed up if
you will, and of course, his appetite drops.  I've been supplementing him
with pediatric benedryl (cherry flavor) when necessary for decongestion and
relief from itching.  I also occassionally use one 4 mg.  Chlortrimetron
tablet dissolved in 30 mls of water (I use an old Amoxicillin dropper) and
give him about a half a dropper (.5 ml).
[Posted in FML issue 1274]