about distemper? (after reading 'Bad Vaccine Help!')

Janna M Barenghien

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Apr 27, 2001, 11:32:10 PM4/27/01

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How do ferrets get distemper in the first place? Must they be exposed to it
by another animal?

My first two ferrets have always had their vaccine, but the one I just
adopted has never had his (or at least not in the last year in a half (the
previous owner got him from someone else and never knew about having to get
distemper shots...).

After reading about the bad reactions.... I'm afraid to mess with something
that's not broken, if you know what I mean. My ferrets are not in contact
with any other animals at all... Is it necessary that I begin distemper
shots with the recently adopted ferret? I don't want him to get sick :-(

Janna

jacquie rodgers

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Apr 27, 2001, 11:41:04 PM4/27/01

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I believe distemper virus can be carried on hands, clothing, etc. Distemper
is not only very contagious, but chances of recovering from it are very low.
I always made sure my boys got their distemper vaccines.

I'm sure there are folks here who can answer your question with much more
specific information if you want details, but I believe the short answer is
" get it anyway".

jacquie

"Janna M Barenghien" <ja...@pcsonline.com> wrote in message
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Russell Prater

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Apr 28, 2001, 12:45:18 AM4/28/01

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Janna M Barenghien wrote:
>
> How do ferrets get distemper in the first place? Must they be exposed to it
> by another animal?

The get from contact with the canine distemper virus. That virus is
tough and you need only to step in poop or urine from a dog that has it
and you will carry it home on your shoes.

> My first two ferrets have always had their vaccine, but the one I just
> adopted has never had his (or at least not in the last year in a half (the
> previous owner got him from someone else and never knew about having to get
> distemper shots...).

The one who hasn't had it should recieve two shots seperated by, I
believe, three weeks.

> After reading about the bad reactions.... I'm afraid to mess with something
> that's not broken, if you know what I mean. My ferrets are not in contact
> with any other animals at all... Is it necessary that I begin distemper
> shots with the recently adopted ferret? I don't want him to get sick :-(

All responsible ferret owners and vets that I know of consider it
necessary. The disease is always fatal and it just isn't a pretty death.

--
Russ, Booger, Bonnie & Clyde
russel...@worldnet.att.net

William Killian

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Apr 28, 2001, 1:21:05 AM4/28/01

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jacquie rodgers wrote:
>
> I believe distemper virus can be carried on hands, clothing, etc. Distemper
> is not only very contagious, but chances of recovering from it are very low.
> I always made sure my boys got their distemper vaccines.
>
> I'm sure there are folks here who can answer your question with much more
> specific information if you want details, but I believe the short answer is
> " get it anyway".
>
> jacquie

CDV can also be airborne...

I f a sick dog walks past an open window the virus could get in. Or a
door way. Or past you on your way home getting it on your clothes...

Oh and raccoons I believe can carry the virus too

Sikpup

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Apr 28, 2001, 2:04:10 AM4/28/01

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a couple of years ago a major wave of distemper came through northern
California. It almost completly wiped out the fox population, and caused
major devistation to the skunk, possum, and raccoon populations. All anyone
could do is try to call the humane society to see about ending the poor
critters suffering.

"William Killian" <kil...@mnsinc.com> wrote in message
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Janna M Barenghien

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Apr 28, 2001, 9:08:06 AM4/28/01

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BLAH!!!! Okay okay.. I'm convinced. I will make an appointment as soon as
possible to get Weasle started on his series of vaccines.

Thank you all for your input.

"Janna M Barenghien" <ja...@pcsonline.com> wrote in message
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Russell Prater

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Apr 28, 2001, 10:44:55 AM4/28/01

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Janna M Barenghien wrote:
>
> BLAH!!!! Okay okay.. I'm convinced. I will make an appointment as soon as
> possible to get Weasle started on his series of vaccines.
>
> Thank you all for your input.

I think you have made the right decision.

fair...@gte.net

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May 2, 2001, 4:55:36 PM5/2/01

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Just a note to say that Weasle has a Vet appointment this Saturday to begin his
distemper vaccinations. He's going to hate me after this.... I don't think he's
every had a shot before (that he remembers).

Darkestfire

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May 2, 2001, 5:01:29 PM5/2/01

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I'm sure you know this, but please remember to hang around the vet's
office for about a half-hour in case of a reaction. Good luck!

--

Michelle

Kathouze

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May 2, 2001, 6:07:04 PM5/2/01

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>From: fair...@gte.net

>Just a note to say that Weasle has a Vet appointment this Saturday to begin
>his
>distemper vaccinations. He's going to hate me after this.... I don't think
>he's
>every had a shot before (that he remembers).

Take a tube of nutrical or other favorite treat,and just before the shot give
him his treat.Chances are he'll never notice.Just keep squeezing that tube
until it's over.If you're really worried,give him Benadryl,or have the vet do
it.

Sandy

Janna M Barenghien

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May 2, 2001, 11:03:13 PM5/2/01

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hmm.. I never thought about giving the treat before the shot. That's a good
idea. :-) Thanks.

"Kathouze" <kath...@aol.com> wrote in message
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