Dr. Kemmerer, I read you recent post but I still have a question.  I
understand the need for vaccinations and the effects the diseases may
have on ferrets without them.  Still, I have a pressing question that I
need to make a decision on very soon.  I ask this question to you, Dr.
Kemmerer, because I heard you speak at the vet symposium in Boston, in
the summer of 2001 and was very impressed with presentation you gave.
What I would like to know is what you would do in your practice given
the following scenario.  A ferret comes in for their first series of
vaccinations.  The ferret is pretreated with Benadryl and gets it rabies
shot with no problem.  Two weeks later, again being pretreated, had their
distemper shot and has a reaction to it.  Obviously, it wasn't a pretty
site but the ferret was treated for the reaction and all was well.  The
next year comes and the first shot given, again being pretreated, is the
rabies shot and a more violent reaction happens.  After that reaction I
never went ahead with the distemper vaccination two weeks later.  Now
it's a year later and again she is due for her vaccinations.  Here's
where I'm at presently.  Where in your practice would you go from there?
Do you still vaccinate the ferret or what?  If you do recommend
vaccination again, is there another pretreatment protocol you follow?
 
Thank you in advance for your answer,
Phyllis
[Posted in FML issue 4100]