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]