**The advice dispensed by myself in reference to FML postings is not meant
to supplant the advice of veterinarians who are in charge of the patient.
If the patient is not currently under the care of a veterinarian, the client
is recommended to take their ferret to one.**
 
Sorry for the long delay, it has been very, very busy at the Animal Hospital.
 
>From:    Anonymous Poster <[log in to unmask]
>Subject: Dual Vaccines
>I was wondering if it is safe to vaccinate ferrets for both distemper and
>rabies at the same time.  I've heard mixed opinions about this, and my three
>are due very soon for their annual shots -- my vet swears its okay to
>administer both shots during the same visit...
 
I see a lot of ferrets from quite a distance and I routinely vaccinate them
for both at the same time.  I have not seen any higher incidence of vaccine
reactions.  If the ferrets have had a reaction before, I think separating
them next time by two to four weeks is a good idea.
 
>From:    Karri Knutson <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: *a few more questions* [heartworm]
 
Whether to test for heartworms or not is up to your vet.  The problem is
that there is no good test for ferrets since they have so few heartworms (1
or 2) and the test is just not sensitive enough.  I routinely don't test and
the ferrets do fine.
 
>From:    Regina Harrison <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: kennel cough
 
It can be contagious but it depends on what is the cause (bacteria versus
virus). Most viruses would not be transmitted between species, but bacteria
can be.
 
I would monitor for signs of respiratory illness in the ferret.  If they
appear, start him/her on antibiotics.
 
>From:    "Drs. D & S" <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: heartworm preventative
>I am a ferret veterinarian,and have been reading that many people are using
>the new chewable feline heartworm preventative on their ferrets, giving them
>1/2 tab monthly.  I have contacted the manufacturer on this issue for my own
>clients, and
 
This has been a problem with Heartgard for a long time.  Many discussions
have been on the subject on the active ingredient not being evenly
distributed.  A long internet discussion among ferret vets last year came
to the conclusion that the active ingredient is distributed enough that
breaking the chewable is okay to do.  Most vets felt it was more a
marketing position and not a statistical problem.
 
>From:    Ulrike Hassold <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Frontline Spot On Cat/ Ivermectin
>I went to my vet's today and ... and he mentioned that Frontline had
>brought out a new
 
Same active ingredient, different method of application.
 
Mike Dutton, DVM, DABVP
Weare Animal Hospital
Weare, NH, USA
[Posted in FML issue 1893]