Two notes yesterday on heartworms:
 
>Just wondering, do ferrets need to get heartworm shots?
 
        Heartworms are not treated by shots, but with an oral medication given
once monthly.  Because it takes a long time for heartworms to get to adulthood
(almost 6 months), we only have to give a medication to kill the immature
parasites once a month to make sure that we kill all of the heartworms before
they become adult.
 
>I have a question mainly for the vets out there, but anyone else with
>experience
>too.  My vet has never mentioned using a heartworm preventative of any
>sort. Is there any risk associated with giving a ferret these preventatives?
 
        Whether you need to give heartworm prevention depends on what part of
the country that you live in.  If there are mosquitoes, there is probably
heartworm disease.  Ask your vet if you are not sure.
 
        When dosed properly to a ferret that doesn't have heartworms, there is
minimal risk.  See the medical FAQ for more information on heartworm disease.
 
--
Bruce Williams, DVM, DACVP              Department of Veterinary Pathology
[log in to unmask]               Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
[log in to unmask]             Washington, D.C.  20306-6000
(202) 782-2600/2602
[Posted in FML issue 1198]