Exam

Annual exams help Valley View doctors detect signs of illness in their earliest and most treatable stages. When we are familiar with your ferret, we are more likely to notice subtle changes that can be easy - possibly even deadly - to miss. We also recommend annual fecal flotation tests to screen for internal parasites.

Please Note: When your pet comes in for a specific injury or illness, we examine that injury or illness only; we do not perform a full physical exam. Therefore, you may still be due for an annual, even if you were "just in."

Vaccinations

Ferrets need to be vaccinated against only two viruses: canine distemper and rabies.

Canine Distemper Virus: Ferrets are highly susceptible to this virus, which is virtually 100% fatal in un-immunized ferrets. The American Ferret Association recommends a series of 3 boosters at 8, 11, and 14 weeks, followed by annual vaccinations on the anniversaries of the final booster.

Notes:

*	In a 1992 CDV outbreak, some ferrets who received only 2 boosters - the last given at less than 14 weeks of age - succumbed to CDV.
*	In cases of possible exposure to CDV, kits as young as 6 weeks may be vaccinated. In such cases, the second vaccine should be given at 9 weeks, and the final booster at 14 weeks of age. The vaccination history of jills (females) should be reviewed and updated before breeding.
*	If the ferret is over 14 weeks of age with no, unknown, or outdated vaccination history, a series of 2 vaccines should be given 2 weeks apart, then annually on the anniversary of the final booster.

Rabies Virus: All ferrets should be vaccinated against rabies. Although the likelihood for an indoor ferret to contract rabies is remote, immunization will not only protect the ferret in case of exposure to the rabies virus, but will also support its quarantine in the event that it bites a person. The AFA recommends vaccination in healthy ferrets at 3 months, then annually.

Adverse Reactions

As in all animal species, adverse reactions to vaccinations can occur in ferrets. This may be seen as a blushing of the ears, restlessness, respiratory distress, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, seizures, coma, and, rarely, death. The AFA strongly encourages all animals be observed for at least 20 minutes following vaccination so immediate care can be administered if necessary. Owners should also report any changes in behavior or signs of reactions observed within 72 hours of vaccination.

Although there is no evidence that delivering more than one vaccine product to a ferret is associated with a higher incidence of adverse events, if a ferret has experienced problems in the past, it is suggested that each vaccine product be administered separately. Then, in the event of a reaction, the contributory role(s) of individual product(s) can be more easily determined.

No animal should be vaccinated if they have an active infection. In addition, animals who have hematologic malignancies, or that are undergoing immuno-suppressive treatments, may a) produce a poor immune response which may not be protective, or b) for live-attenuated viral vaccine products, experience adverse effects, including contracting the disease itself.

Information on the effects of vaccination on the kits of pregnant jills is insufficient, but administration of live viral vaccines to any pregnant animal is generally discouraged. Breeders should consider updating the vaccinations of both male and female animals at least one month prior to anticipated breeding if they are nearing their annual booster date. This will prevent the possibility of infection being transmitted from the breeding interaction and may confer some immunity to the kits through the mother.

Source: The American Ferret Association, Inc. "AFA Policy on the Vaccination of Ferrets (M. putorius furo)" [1992, revised 2001]

Reminders

To receive e-mail reminders when your ferret is due for its annual exam, vaccinations, etc., please send us your address.