Post by headismooter on Mar 9, 2005 23:12:35 GMT -5
Vaccines-a word that can strike fear into the heart of any ferret owner. Although this should be a routine part of annual examinations-in many cases the outcome of giving a vaccine is usually more drastic then hoped for. This article will talk about the basics of vaccine protocol, types of vaccines available (and using unapproved vaccines off lable), reactions (varying degrees) and the basics of therapeutics for ferrets who suffer reactions that require medical attention.
[glow=red,2,300]Vaccine protocol:[/glow]
as most members of this board are aware, ferrets are required in most areas by law to be vaccinated against canine distemper and rabies.
canine distemper vaccines (DHPP) are given at 6-8weeks; 10-12 weeks; and 13-14 weeks of age and then annually there after.
rabies vaccine is given usually at age 16 weeks of age.
although some veterinarians will vaccinate in combo-shots, it is highly suggested that the vaccines be given seperately. reasonings for this is that if a reaction does occur, it is easier to isolate which vaccine caused the reaction and have knowledge of what proceedure should be followed in future situations.
while at the veterinarians-reactions will typically occur within the first 30 minutes post vaccine. with this in mind it is suggested that you should remain in the office for at least a half hour post vaccine. however-often up to an hour is more benefitial. from personal experience-Angelus did not show signs of a reaction until 45 minutes post-vaccine.
some vaccines are allotted for yearly renewal, others for biannual or triannual. i prefer to give vaccines based on the allotted time given by the manufacturer however always check with your governing body on vaccine protocol. some areas because of high incidence require annual despite the vaccine lifespan.
[glow=red,2,300]So many to choose from[/glow]
currently Fervac-D is the only distemper vaccine approved by the USDA however, there are many other companies that are providing distemper vaccines either designed specifically for ferrets or used off lable.
some of the following are available in north america:
Galaxy-D, Purevax.
Fervac-D in recent years has proven to be one of the main contributors to vaccine reactions in pet ferrets and in many veterinarian practices (particuarly in Canada) vets are switching brands.
the main rabies vaccine distributed across north america is the Imrab rabies vaccine that is a 'killed' vaccine. although ferrets are 50, 000 times less susceptable to the virus than other creatures such as the fox-some clinical signs have been seen in ferrets who have contracted the virus. prevention is key and this vaccine is given on an annual basis.
Using vaccines that are not specifically designed for ferrets can be used 'offlable' with little to no effect however if a vaccine is going to be used 'off label' the veterinarian should be responsible in discussing this with you (the owner) and get your written permission prior to injection.
[glow=red,2,300]reactions[/glow]
this is the reason why ferret owners cringe and ask for prayers. occassionally you will have a owner who has had absolutely no complications with either distemper or rabies vaccine however for those of us who have witnessed the vaccine reaction-visions of potential death run rampid.
a mild reaction which can be seen in almost every ferret post-vaccine have clinical signs such as:
-inappetance for a day or two post-vaccine
-decreased energy level for a few days post-vaccine
-slight elevation of body temperature
moderate to severe reactions are typically treated as such:
-fluid therapy given at shock rates of 75-100ml/kg boluses are given typically subcutaneous however if intravenous pressure is not present (as happens with decreased blood pressure related to the reaction) in severe cases, intraosseous (catheterization through the bone) catheterization can be done.
-dextrose (2%), potassium, or vitamin B may be added to the solution in addition dependent on if the veterinarian feels that dextrose would be benefitial if the ferret has become hypoglycemic.
-antihistamines (most commonly benadryl) is given iv or intramuscularly at a rate of 0.5mg/kg.
-if the patient is vomiting-antiemetics can be given subcutaneously at dosages similar to ferrets. as well metrondiazole (flagyl) is given to ease diarrhea.
-if the ferret has bypassed the severe stage and death appears emminant-epinepherine is administered intravenously, intramuscularly, subcutaneously or in diar cases intratracheally
-monitoring the patient depends on the severity of the reaction but should be done no less than every 5 minutes in moderate reaction cases.
if a ferret suffers a reaction a veterinarian might offer these suggestions for prior vaccination:
-change the brand of vaccine
-give benedryl 15 minutes prior to vaccination
-not give the vaccine again or give on a basis according to the time allotted by the manufacturer (instead of every year, give every 3 years)
in review
-be prepared to wait after vaccines
-be prepared for a reaction. if reactions do occur the price of your visit has increased substantially!
-always give vaccines seperately
-ferret knowledgable vets can make the difference between a dead ferret and a live ferret.
on a personal note:
personally I have had to see Angelus go through catheterization and drug therapy as described above following his last vaccine using Fervac-D. As he has never reacted to other brands of distemper vaccine i have personally banned the use of Fervac-D in my ferrets. This is in no way to say use of this vaccine is wrong. I however have seen severe reactions and have treated severe reactions caused by this vaccine and would rather not see it occur again. If i had a veterinarian who was not prepared and knowledgable concerning reaction protocol-Angelus could have potentially died. Please speak to your vet concerning protocol!
[glow=red,2,300]Vaccine protocol:[/glow]
as most members of this board are aware, ferrets are required in most areas by law to be vaccinated against canine distemper and rabies.
canine distemper vaccines (DHPP) are given at 6-8weeks; 10-12 weeks; and 13-14 weeks of age and then annually there after.
rabies vaccine is given usually at age 16 weeks of age.
although some veterinarians will vaccinate in combo-shots, it is highly suggested that the vaccines be given seperately. reasonings for this is that if a reaction does occur, it is easier to isolate which vaccine caused the reaction and have knowledge of what proceedure should be followed in future situations.
while at the veterinarians-reactions will typically occur within the first 30 minutes post vaccine. with this in mind it is suggested that you should remain in the office for at least a half hour post vaccine. however-often up to an hour is more benefitial. from personal experience-Angelus did not show signs of a reaction until 45 minutes post-vaccine.
some vaccines are allotted for yearly renewal, others for biannual or triannual. i prefer to give vaccines based on the allotted time given by the manufacturer however always check with your governing body on vaccine protocol. some areas because of high incidence require annual despite the vaccine lifespan.
[glow=red,2,300]So many to choose from[/glow]
currently Fervac-D is the only distemper vaccine approved by the USDA however, there are many other companies that are providing distemper vaccines either designed specifically for ferrets or used off lable.
some of the following are available in north america:
Galaxy-D, Purevax.
Fervac-D in recent years has proven to be one of the main contributors to vaccine reactions in pet ferrets and in many veterinarian practices (particuarly in Canada) vets are switching brands.
the main rabies vaccine distributed across north america is the Imrab rabies vaccine that is a 'killed' vaccine. although ferrets are 50, 000 times less susceptable to the virus than other creatures such as the fox-some clinical signs have been seen in ferrets who have contracted the virus. prevention is key and this vaccine is given on an annual basis.
Using vaccines that are not specifically designed for ferrets can be used 'offlable' with little to no effect however if a vaccine is going to be used 'off label' the veterinarian should be responsible in discussing this with you (the owner) and get your written permission prior to injection.
[glow=red,2,300]reactions[/glow]
this is the reason why ferret owners cringe and ask for prayers. occassionally you will have a owner who has had absolutely no complications with either distemper or rabies vaccine however for those of us who have witnessed the vaccine reaction-visions of potential death run rampid.
a mild reaction which can be seen in almost every ferret post-vaccine have clinical signs such as:
-inappetance for a day or two post-vaccine
-decreased energy level for a few days post-vaccine
-slight elevation of body temperature
moderate to severe reactions are typically treated as such:
-fluid therapy given at shock rates of 75-100ml/kg boluses are given typically subcutaneous however if intravenous pressure is not present (as happens with decreased blood pressure related to the reaction) in severe cases, intraosseous (catheterization through the bone) catheterization can be done.
-dextrose (2%), potassium, or vitamin B may be added to the solution in addition dependent on if the veterinarian feels that dextrose would be benefitial if the ferret has become hypoglycemic.
-antihistamines (most commonly benadryl) is given iv or intramuscularly at a rate of 0.5mg/kg.
-if the patient is vomiting-antiemetics can be given subcutaneously at dosages similar to ferrets. as well metrondiazole (flagyl) is given to ease diarrhea.
-if the ferret has bypassed the severe stage and death appears emminant-epinepherine is administered intravenously, intramuscularly, subcutaneously or in diar cases intratracheally
-monitoring the patient depends on the severity of the reaction but should be done no less than every 5 minutes in moderate reaction cases.
if a ferret suffers a reaction a veterinarian might offer these suggestions for prior vaccination:
-change the brand of vaccine
-give benedryl 15 minutes prior to vaccination
-not give the vaccine again or give on a basis according to the time allotted by the manufacturer (instead of every year, give every 3 years)
in review
-be prepared to wait after vaccines
-be prepared for a reaction. if reactions do occur the price of your visit has increased substantially!
-always give vaccines seperately
-ferret knowledgable vets can make the difference between a dead ferret and a live ferret.
on a personal note:
personally I have had to see Angelus go through catheterization and drug therapy as described above following his last vaccine using Fervac-D. As he has never reacted to other brands of distemper vaccine i have personally banned the use of Fervac-D in my ferrets. This is in no way to say use of this vaccine is wrong. I however have seen severe reactions and have treated severe reactions caused by this vaccine and would rather not see it occur again. If i had a veterinarian who was not prepared and knowledgable concerning reaction protocol-Angelus could have potentially died. Please speak to your vet concerning protocol!
all my kids are doing well otter is getting real beefy feeling <winter weight?> and his coat is getting real soft not many noticeable changes overall,, new guy is getting big
Daxy is SO happy the weather is cooling off! He doesn't like the AC - it limits him to one room but when I let him go other places, he just flat ferrets cause it's too hote