Many years ago one of our vets, an exotics only doc, and I had an interesting discussion concerning heartworm and ferrets. Heartworm is not yet a problem in the 130 degree dry summer heat in Las Vegas, but we go into areas where it is and I was concerned about the ferrets. What we do get, and twice a year, spring and fall, are ear mites. The treatment for everyone in the house was always the two dose course of ivermectin, sub q, so imagine my surprise when I asked about heartworm protection and was told all the ferrets, the cat (who is sure he is also a ferret) and the dog would all have to be tested for heartworm before they could begin a preventative program and then would have to stay on it (monthly) for duration. Rather confused I asked the doc if the heartworm preventative wasn't ivermectin and she said yes. I then pointed out we were dosing everyone in the house twice a year, religiously, with ivermectin and had been for years. It was her turn to be puzzled and she said 'good point'. It was never an issue again. Ivermectin can be purchased at most feed stores without a prescription, but heads up for you who do live in heartworm territory: there is a good and valid medical reason doctors mandate that test before issuing any product that can kill heartworms and the life of your loved ones can be forfeit if they are infected and not managed properly. Be cautious. Sincerely, Brenda, Momma to the FurpeopleWeyr FurpeopleWeyr.com [Posted in FML 7800]