Hi.  I'm a few days behind reading the FML so others may have already
covered this topic, but I still feel compelled to give my thoughts.  Yes,
I agree some topics do become hot topics on the FML and suddenly there are
several posts in each FML about one concern.  However, this does not make
them all hype, they are generally real concerns that many ferret owners
have had experience with and now feel very strong about the topic.  When
the topic involves a ferret breeder, an individual poster, or other social
topic I tend to skip posts.  However, when it concerns the health of my
fuzzies I consider myself lucky to have stumbled across a possible threat
and read both sides of the stories carefully.
 
Distemper reactions are a very real and very serious threat.  Until you
have experienced one (and I'm so happy for everyone that hasn't) it is
hard to imagine the horror.  Please do follow the precautions when you
vacinate.  Why not take a little extra care to help avoid a possible
tragedy.
 
Just over two years ago I was ready to vacinate my first ferret, but was
concerned with all the reaction precautions I had read.  My vet (who was
highly recommended and has lots of knowledge and experience with ferrets)
was not concerned.  She didn't believe we needed to pretreat (since she had
no reason to believe my ferret would react and because she could just as
easily be allergic to the pretreat) and I was given the last appointment
of the day.  I was concerned about not waiting the half hour afterwards
but was told someone would be on call if I had a problem.  I felt like my
concerns had been dismissed, but luckily we had no problems with the
vacination.
 
That was two years ago.  My vet no longer chooses to do distemper
vacinations.  She has since had ferrets with severe reactions and has
reversed her position completely.  I don't advocate not doing vacinations
(she is no longer my vet) but please heed the warnings.  Don't dismiss all
concerns until one day you possibley find yourself personally experiencing
the "hyped" topic.
[Posted in FML issue 3461]