Dear Brad:
 
You wrote to the FML about a 3-5 month-old ferret that you purchased from a
pet shop.  You wondered whether she had been spayed and given the proper
shots; the pet store told you these things had been done...BUYER BEWARE!
 
Most kits sold in pet stores have been neutered/spayed. Some state require
that the pet store furnish you a certificate signed by a veterinarian to
this effect. Sadly, even if you received such a certificate, it isn't an
absolute guarantee that the spay was performed on that particular kit.
Most ferrets have a "zipper", or what looks like it could be \ spay scar.
Your vet MAY be able to tell by palpation, but the only positive check for
spay would be exploratory surgery.
 
YOU need to be alert for the swollen vulva that would indicate that she is
going into heat, and hence, that she needs to be spayed.  Most jills go into
heat at 4-8 months of age.  Ask your vet show you (with pictures) what to
look for, and when you can stop being concerned.
 
Your ferret would be the right age to have received all its shots, but
unless you have certificates for each of the shots signed by a local vet
whom you can call for confirmation, and a rabies tag, you need to give her
two canine distemper shots (one immediately, the other 2-3 weeks later), and
a rabies shot (1 week after the first distemper shot).
 
The distemper shots are especially crucial for your ferret's health.  The
very real danger from distemper outweighs the minute risk of
"overvaccination." In fact, I am unaware of any risk from too many
vaccinations within a time frame of a few months--comments?
 
A rabies shot MAY save your ferret's hide if she should bite someone.  The
shot may also be required by state law.  You must have documentation of
current rabies vaccination.  If the store did not give you the rabies
certificate and tag, you must have her vaccinated.
 
Never take a pet shop's, breeder's, or former owner's word at face value
regarding spaying, vaccination, age, or health condition.  Demand signed,
verifiable certificates by licensed vets.  Vaccination certificates must
include the date of the shot, the serum lot number, the administering vet's
signature and license number, and some way to tie the certificate to the
specific animal (a description of markings, a name, a serial number).
 
-- Lee
 
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Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the MASSACHUSETTS FERRET
  FRIENDS, but visit our web page anyway: http://www.mafferrets.org
         Ferret Information HOLTINE in MA: (617) 224-1098
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[Posted in FML issue 1712]