http://www.smartgroups.com/message/viewdiscussion.cfm?
gid=1423922&messageid=9792
 
1) Heartworms: Yes, it does take 6 months after a mosquito bite (for the
larvae to become an adult) for the test to detect the heartworms.
 
2) The Idexx 3dx test can be used to test for heartworm and Lyme (and
Ehrlichiosis) at the same time.  It is the same Idexx snap ELISA test
for the heartworm portion.
 
3) Distemper a series of 2 to be on the safe side.
 
4) All 3 of the common heartworm preventatives (Heartgard/ivermectin,
Interceptor, and Revolution) can be used in ferrets even if they are
heartworm positive.  Heartgard/ivermectin and Proheart will actually
slowly kill the adult heartworms too.  It may take 6-18 months to clear
the Heartworms.  Remember ivermectin, Revolution, and Proheart are all in
the same group of medicines.  [The 3 active ingredients are different,
but they are very closely related to each other.] Proheart can also be
used as a heartworm preventative in ferrets too.
 
Hope that clears up the confusion,
Jerry Murray, DVM
[Posted in FML issue 4593]