Laura L'Heureux says:
> My own additional $.02 is that although the risk of a ferret contracting
> distemper is small, if it were to happen, there is absolutely no cure.  As
> far as we know, it is 100% lethal in ferrets. ...
>  Vaccinating a sensitive
> animal is a risk.  But it is one for which we can be prepared.  Accidents are
> not. ...
 
Two years ago, Jerry, one of our two 5 year olds, had a moderate reaction to
FervacD (some vomiting).  This past year she had a violent reaction to FervacD
that almost killed her.  The next time she gets FervacD may very well kill her,
especially since I believe that subsequent reactions in a sensitized animal (or
human) are likely worse than a prior reaction.  I was prepared to take the risk
using a antihistamine shot in advance if the vaccine used was FrommD.  I am not
prepared to take the risk and subject her again to FervacD.  I have doubts that
 a preparatory antihistamine shot would be enough.
 
It is a matter of balancing risks --- I judge the small chance of getting
distemper a better risk than the high chance of Jerry dying of anaphylactic
shock if she were vaccinated again with FervacD.  With other ferrets that have
not previously had a violent reaction to this vaccine the risk balance and
conclusion would be different.
 
The youngest, Buttercup, has had no reaction to FervacD and will continue to be
vaccinated.  I hope that the situation with GalaxyD has been resolved by the
time Ben & Jerry come up for vaccination in May.
--- Bill Sebok
[Posted in FML issue 1036]