>From:    Vicky Edinger <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: heartworm
>i have a question about heartworm.  are ferrets susceptible to them? ...
 
I believe your vet needs some additional training on the diseases to
which ferrets are susceptible.  Ferrets are definitely susceptible to
heartworms AND die from them.  If you or she have doubts, go to
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/heartworm.htm
and take a look at some necropsy pictures of Thomas, a ferret from
Barbara Ludt's shelter who came to her with heartworms and died from
three heartworms in his heart.
 
The article on that page was written by Dr. Debbie Kemmerer, a vet in
Gainesville, Florida (and and occasional poster here) who has lots of
experience with heartworms in ferrets.  There is some excellent medical
information there that I believe your vet should read.
 
I'm not up on all the medical aspects of heartworms in ferrets, but I
believe microfilaria are not present in ferrets and this may be what your
vet was referring to.  Perhaps Dr. K is reading this and will give you a
more authoritative answer.  She can also tell you how many ferrets she sees
in her practice that are heartworm positive and how many have succumbed
because of them.  Her contact info is on the web page previously mentioned
if your vet would like to consult with her.
 
For the ferrets,
Mike
 
* Michael F. Janke, [log in to unmask]
* South Florida Ferret Help Line, 305-752-7040
*
* Website:  http://www.miamiferret.org
* Adrenal/Insulinoma web site: http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc
[Posted in FML issue 3088]