What veterinarian care and vaccines does a ferret need?

Answer 1

Ferrets need vaccinations for rabies and canine distemper, along with yearly checkups at the veterinarian.

Advice from another contributor:

Ferrets have So many needs. When they are healthy they are pretty easy to take care of as long as they always have fresh water and food available. However, if they get sick...and they will...it is very difficult and expensive. Pet store ferrets are prone to all kinds of tumors and cancers and their vet bills can cost thousands of dollars. I have one now with insulinoma an I have to give her medication every 12 hours and make sure she is eating high quality food w enough calories and protein to keep her blood sugar stable. It really is a big responsibility. I recommend researching in your area for a FERRET KNOWLEDGEABLE veterinarian and asking them.

Answer 2

Veterinary costs vary widely, but you can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $100 if there are no health issues. Even when your ferret is healthy, veterinary care can cost you $250 to $500 a year.

Ferrets bought from pet stores should have received a temporary distemper vaccination at 6 weeks of age, and you need to schedule a series of appointments with your veterinarian. Ferrets require two vaccinations: Rabies and Canine Distemper. Only three vaccines are recognized by the USDA as effective in ferrets. IMRAB-3 for rabies and FERVAC-D or Merial's PureVax for distemper. (Note: PureVax is a new distemper vaccine for ferrets that may result in fewer allergic reactions.) The following vaccination protocol should be followed: * Canine Distemper - Given at 9, 12 and 16 weeks, For older ferrets with unknown vaccination history, vaccinate twice over a two week period. Canine distemper is airborne disease that can be brought indoors on clothing and shoes, and it always fatal in ferrets. * Rabies - Given after 13 weeks of age Canine Distemper and Rabies Vaccines cannot be given at the same and need to be given at separately. Numerous ferrets have been reported having bad reactions from immunizations. The veterinarian usually gives a ferret Benadryl to reduce vaccine reactions. Your veterinarian will advise you to wait for at least 30 minutes before leaving, it might be wise to wait at least 45 minutes for any adverse reactions. If a ferret has a vaccine reaction, it usually a serious emergency and they can be close to death. Many owners have had ferrets have a vaccine reaction after leaving the doctor.

Vaccination used to be given annually, check with you veterinarian for recommended time frames. Vaccine are now being approved for every 3 years. Also, their is a titer study being done for ferrets. Google "titer study ferret" or go to Ferret.org to learn more.

Routine Veterinary Care Ferrets up to 2 years of age needs physical examinations and vaccinations for canine distemper and rabies are necessary. Canine distemper is an airborne disease, brought in on clothing and shoes, it is always fatal in ferrets. Ferrets are susceptible to developing heartworm disease, a vet can recommend a heartworm preventive medication. Your ferret does not need to be outdoors to contract the disease. Mosquitoes transmit the disease, can easily get into a house. Flea preventative is also important, just a few fleas can cause anemia if ferrets. Always check with your veterinarian about any medication used for ferrets. There are a number of cat and dog product that you cannot use on ferrets, and there are some can be safely used.

Ferrets over 2 years of age - Unfortunately there are a number of diseases that can happen in ferrets after 2 years of age including adrenal disease, insulinoma, cancers and Heart disease. It is essential to strive for early detection, to prevent problems. A physical examination for ferrets up to 5 years of age, it is recommended to have annual blood tests and x-rays to further investigate any potential disease. Ferrets over 5 years of age should have diagnostic tests performed every 6 months.

Anytime your ferrets is displaying abnormal behavoir, it could be due to illness or disease. Ferrets that are sick you cannot "wait and see if they'll be okay". They rapidly go downhill and can die within a few days. It is important to seek Veterinarian care as soon as possible
Ferrets are required by law to be vaccinated against Rabies on an annual basis, some states, cities, or towns require that they also be vaccinated against Canine Distemper Virus. Other vaccines which have been approved for use in Ferrets are highly recommended, but not required.