It seems there has been a lot of comments, questions and answers regarding
reactions or allergic reactions to distemper vaccines in recent issues of
FML - although I am still behind and trying to catch up - and I do skip
around a bit.
 
Our great vets on line seem to be on top of this.  I'm just commenting, for
whatever it is worth.  Many of us, who have large numbers of ferrets, give
our on vaccinations for both practical and economical reasons.  Owner
administered vaccinations are always risky, because as previously commented
- the ferret may have developed a sensitivity to the vaccine used, but not
exhibit symptoms until it is administered again.  This can happen whether
vaccination is given by owner or by veternarian.  For this reason, you
should stay at your vet's office for at least 20 minutes following
injection.  Those who adminster at home, should have injectable epinephrine,
benadryl and steriods on hand.  I keep dosages prepared in sterile
tuberculin syringes, sealed, in the refrigerator.
 
If you are not sure your ferret is sensitive to the distemper vaccine - your
vet might want to adminster a "test" dose -- that is, introduce a minute
amount under the skin and wait to see if the ferret develops a wheal or
slight allergic response.  Some reactions that I have had reported in,
especially when administered by the owner, may be caused by where the shot
was given - or site reaction.  Advice and training on giving injections
should come from your vet.
 
An allergic reaction, by definition, is a physical disorder caused by
hypersensitivity to a substance.  This results when the body's immune system
sends antibodies to attack substances, which are not bacterial or viral.  A
misfiring or misdirected signal.  Thus, the antibodies will attack other
substances which are called allergens.  In an allergic reaction, the cells
of the immune system release irritant chemicals that cause the symptoms of
an allergic attack -- the most serious of these being an anaphylaxis.  In an
anaphylactic or septic shock reaction, rapid contriction of the bronchioles
deprive the heart of oxygen, the blood vessels enlarge and blood pressure
plummets with subsequent oxygen deprivation to the brain.  Once this
happens, the animal cannot recover itself unless there is rapid, supportive
medical intervention.  This, the most serious of allergic reactions, is
nothing to fool around with.  I have also seen what appeared to be, an
angioneurotic edema in a ferret.  This is a reaction where there is a great
deal of swelling around the face and mouth with swelling in the mouth and
throat.  This reaction can also result in death because the swelling of
throat tissues can result in suffocation.
 
I know some advocate giving the ferret an histamine blocker such as benadryl
before injections.  I am not sure what this accomplishes in the long run.
You may get a sensitive ferret through that innoculation but the sensitivity
is still there.  If your ferret has had an allergic reaction to any of the
distemper vaccines, IMHO do not administer them again.  Also, IMHO, I
believe the risk of distemper is less than death by anaphylaxis in sensitive
animals.  Fervac seems to cause most of the allergic reactions reported.
Personally, I used Fromm-D by Solvey and now use Galaxy by Solvey.  While I
have never had a reaction in my ferrets - my fingers are crossed because it
can happen in any animal at any time.  Sorry to run on.  Vet docs on line -
feel free to correct any comment I have made that you do not agree with.
 
Gina - you commented that your ferret had been treated for two weeks for
helicobacter.  Was this cultured.  Usual treatment for helicobacter advised
by vets in this area is for one month. Has your vet checked stool for occult
blood?  Also, from the description of your ferret's stools - you could have
recovering ECE, or Paleface could have a hairball.  Or something else.  Do
not give up, for every problem, there is sooner or later an answer.  I hope
she feels better soon.
 
Al - please do not use mineral oil to prevent hairballs.  Mineral oil will
coat stomach and intestines preventing the proper absorbtion of nutrients
and vitamins.  In other words, it can be harmful.  Use any of the hairball
remedies suitable for cats that are available.  A little squeeze once a week
should be adequate as a preventitive -- more if your ferret does have a
hairball.  Every once in a while I remember to give my guys some - which
they love.  We all should give our ferrets a hairball preventative when they
are shedding coats.
 
Tom - sounds like Natasha is a chocolate.  She also sounds like a pretty
girl!    Best to all.  meg
[Posted in FML issue 1415]