**The advice dispensed by myself in reference to FML postings is not meant to supplant the advice of veterinarians who are in charge of the patient. If the patient is not currently under the care of a veterinarian, the client is recommended to take their ferret to one.** >From: Avner <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: New ferret questions. >Yesterday I got my new ferret (my first). Yes vaccinate for distemper. Typically neutering +/- descenting occurs around 6 months of age but a lot of people do it younger. Descenting may no be necessary since neutering dramatically reduces the smell alone. >From: Rebecca Coleman <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Vet Question & how do you sneak into CA? >I have a couple of questions about the early vaccinations for kits. I read >in the FAQ that Kits should get 3 shots 4 weeks apart OR 4 shots 3 weeks >apart for distemper. ... Is the strength of the vaccinations ... The vaccine strength and dosing is the same. The varible is one we cannot control, the ferret s response to the vaccine. Ferrets have a declining amount of maternal antibodies from birth to about 16 weeks of age (every ferret is different) that protect the baby from distemper (if the mother was current on her vaccination). At some point those antibodies are no longer at a high enough level to protect the baby ferret so they need vaccinations. The maternal antibodies also interfere with the vaccine response along with the baby s own immune system may be too immature to respond. In the end, Distemper vaccinations at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age are recommended. High risk households can easily go down to a two or three week interval to close the vulnerability window . The more frequent vaccination schedule costs more and you always run the risk of a vaccine reaction. >From: Bido <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: medical question >Kelsey, a 4yr. sprite is showing signs of adrenal problems. Hair loss can occur anywhere in hyper adrenal disease but the tail/rump area is most common. Poor diet can lead to problems with fur also. You need a meat based (a meat source must be the first listed protein in the ingredient section) kitten chow. >From: Elizabeth Plummer <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: attn DVMs - would like a second opinion >My eldest fuzzy, K'Ehleyr (5 and 1/2 yrs.), has been diagnosed with >lymphoma. With the help of liquid Pred. ... Prednisone improves the attitude and shrinking the size of the affected lymph nodes, BUT it does not change the course or prognosis of the disease. If you want to try for remission or a cure, you need to do chemotherapy. The results are quite mixed and it does not work in some ferrets. Most chemotherapy protocols are mixed protocols and include more than one drug. >From: Laura Ellis <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Too many tail questions Could be just blackheads. Try the benzoyl peroxide gel called oxydex from your vet s. >From: Becki Kain <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: vet tieke question >tieke, just turned six yesterday, is still having a lot of problems. The Pawing at mouth and nausea makes me think gastric ulcers. Consider treatment for that (hate to add more medications(: ). >From: Mary Nelson Steeves <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Adrenal Surgery Gone Wrong Due to Clotting Disorder? >Hello fellow FMLers! I need some input on a very abnormal health problem. >Anything you can share with me will be greatly appreciated. I have not encountered bleeding disorders in ferrets. Dr. Karen Rosenthal briefly discusses blood transfusions in some of her reports, but no details. Were all the other lab values from Tennessee normal? Mike Dutton, DVM, DABVP Weare Animal Hospital Weare, NH. [Moderator's note: Dr. Rosenthal was once treating a ferret of mine and the subject of a transfusion came up. We spoke about it a bit and she commented how incredibly well they see to take it - some ferrets having had several transfusions with hardly any ill effects. BIG] [Posted in FML issue 1667]