From the FML FAQ  Section 9.2:
 
VACCINE REACTIONS:
 
Like any other animals, ferrets occasionally have adverse reactions to
vaccinations, typically on the second or third exposure to a particular
vaccine.  Reactions are rare, and giving the rabies and distemper
vaccinations two weeks apart is thought to reduce the chance, but they can
be life-threatening.
 
There are several kinds of vaccine reactions.  The most dangerous,
anaphylactic reactions, usually occur within an hour after the vaccination.
You may want to stay at your vet's for 30-60 minutes after a vaccination,
just in case.  Watch for vomiting, diarrhea or loss of bladder/bowel
control; signs of nausea or dizziness; dark bluish-purple blotches spreading
under the skin; difficulty breathing; pale or bright pink gums, ears, feet
or nose; seizures, convulsions, or passing out; or anything else that's
alarming -- bad reactions are hard to miss.  Get the ferret back to the vet
right away, probably for a shot of antihistamine (Benedryl) and perhaps a
corticosteroid or epinephrine.  Ferrets who have had mild to moderate
anaphylactic reactions to a particular vaccine can be pre-treated with an
antihistamine the next time, or you might consider switching to a different
vaccine (from Fervac to Galaxy or the other way, for instance).  If your
ferret had a severe reaction, you and your vet can discuss the relative
dangers of leaving that ferret unvaccinated.
 
Most delayed reactions aren't dangerous.  You might notice the ferret acting
tired, showing flu-like symptoms, or possibly even vomiting a little within
a day or two after the vaccination.  As long as the symptoms don't last
longer than a day and don't seem too extreme, there's no need to worry.  If
the ferret has trouble breathing, is more than a little lethargic, or shows
other worrisome symptoms, call or visit your vet.  Antihistamines don't help
much with delayed reactions, but your vet might suggest pre-treating the
ferret next time anyway, in case it helps.
 
+++++++
 
Everyone....please read the FML FAQ and Disease FAQs.  Pam Greene, and
others, went to a lot of effort to put these together for us and our vets.
 
Shari Gunter
Newsletter Editor
Triangle Ferret Lovers club, North Carolina
http://www.trifl.org
[Posted in FML issue 2185]