Hi there,
 
This is in response to the question about vaccination reactions.  I am a
veterinary technician.  I get calls all the time from people who are
concerned about their animal that has a "bump" at the vax site.  It is
usually a normal thing especially if it no accompanied by other symtoms
(vomiting, diarrhea, siezures, etc.).  I gave one of my ferret a distemper
booster today and she got a huge lump after wards.  She did once have an
allergic to the vaccine so I gave her .2 cc of benedryl 45 minutes before
I gave her the shot.  I was concerned because of her previous reaction but
within a few hours the lump got smaller, however there still is a small
lump.  I have seen ferrets that have never lost the vax bump.  My ferret
Sneezers that died in December from an allergic reaction to chemotherapy,
had a bump where she had gotten a vaccination a few years back.  And a
friend of mine has a ferret that still has a bump from a vaccination she
got almost 2 years ago.  It really is nothing to worry about unless it gets
bigger over time.  Then it may be something other than vaccination related.
 
In the future, if your vet does not massage the injection site immediately
after giving the vaccine, you can do it yourself.  This will help bring
down the swelling.  My friend CJ who runs the 24 Carat Ferret Shelter also
gave me a great suggestion to put a warm compress on the vax site to reduce
the swelling.  (Thanks CJ.  That helped the Winniemuca!)  Since it has been
a while since the vax was given in your case, it is probably to late this
time.  However, you might want to try that in the future.  Lethargy is also
a common side effect from vaccinations.  However, vomiting, seizures,
diarrhea, etc. can all be a sign of an allergic reaction.  Make sure that
next time you tell your vet if you noticed an allergic reaction so he/she
can give an injection of benedryl.  Or you can give .2 cc of benedryl
before you leave for the clinic.  Also remember that seeing a vet that
specializes in exotics in VERY important.  Always make sure that your vet
gives vaccination correctly.  They should be given SQ (under the skin) like
in the scruff of the neck at about a 40 degree angle.
 
Hope I could be of help to ease your fear!
 
Samantha Rosier
Club Ferret Las Vegas
President
 
Dooks from Cosmo, Nico, Winnie, and Annie
Rest in Peace Queen Sneezers. We miss and love you SO VERY MUCH!
[Posted in FML issue 2608]