Why do I want to vaccinate my ferret?
Distemper: is an airborne virus that is almost always 100% fatal to unvaccinated ferrets. Your ferret can be exposed when you come into contact with contaminated grass or animals. The incubation period can be up to 10 days long, so quarantine of new pets entering the home is highly advised.
- Signs: vary from anorexia, fever, and serious nasal discharge. This discharge can progress to brown encrusted material which eventually encompasses the lips, nose, chin and eyes. Secondary bacterial infections can develop such as pneumonia and black tarry stools indicating possible ulcers. End stage infection results in complications such as hyperexcitability, salvation, muscular tremors, and convulsions. Death can occur within 12-30 days
- Diagnosis: based on clinical signs; …show more content…
- The first shot is generally administered at 8 weeks of age, again at 11-12 weeks, then at 14-16 weeks. Your ferret should then receive an annual booster.
Rabies: laws regarding rabies protection vary between states; a pet ferret should receive a rabies vaccination as frequently as your State requires. By law, most states and federal public health authorities require an annual rabies vaccination for ferrets.
When to vaccinate?
- The vaccine is the same as the three-year vaccine for dogs and cats; however in ferrets this is licensed to be administered annually.
What is an anaphylactic reaction?
Anaphylactic reactions are sudden, potentially severe allergic reactions. After exposure of a substance, the animal's immune system becomes sensitized to the “foreign” allergen. An anaphylactic allergen can be a drug, insect sting, food ingredient, or vaccine component. Allergens cause the body to produce specific antibodies that interact with cells in the blood. This results in the release powerful chemicals that has detrimental effects regarding heart function, blood pressure, and can lead to cellular injury.
What are signs of anaphylaxis in my