christine d.

I think that's a great idea. He should definitely be seen. You also need to get the rest of your ferrets protected against distemper if they haven't been vaccinated at all. Actually, Dr. Wagner and I are doing research on how long those shots last. If he turns out NOT to have distemper, I'd like to put them in the distemper titer study. Ideally, have them tested before they're vaccinated, so you won't vaccinate if they don't need it.

It's $60 for the office visit plus any tests. I've never heard of a rash on the back of the legs as being distemper. How old is he? You have other ferrets? Have they been vaccinated? If you think he might have distemper and your other ferrets aren't protected, you need to get them vaccinated ASAP or they will ALL die.

However, after a week, he should be showing *some* signs of having distemper. I'm inclined to think that isn't it. Can you take a photo and send it to me? bcarlson@andrew.cmu.edu

His rash is on his back legs and his chin. From everything I've read, these are main symptoms distemper. Since that's 100% fatal, I figured I'd just wait to see if he displayed any other symptoms just to be sure and then I'd have to have him put down. However, he hasn't had any nasal or eye discharge, or any other symptoms of distemper other than some mild lethargy, and its been almost a week.
Last night, my mom called a woman that helps my cousin with his ferret in Wisconsin and she said that she's had ferrets with distemper and it doesn't sound like he has it; she thinks it sounds more likely to be either just a reaction to the change in seasons or adrenal disease.
I'm very confused by it and now I'm just trying to get him in to see a vet that's knowledgeable about ferrets soon.
Can you give me an idea of the cost?
Thank you,
Christine

You're not far from Fox Chapel. Dr. Robert Wagner is my shelter vet, and in my opinion, he is THE BEST in this area. He's at Fox Chapel VCA Monday & Thursday evenings only (his real job is Head of Large Animal Research at the University of Pittsburgh). The office visit cost is steep, but you're getting the best of the best. He knows his stuff and figure it out. Once you've been to him, the "recheck" office fee isn't as bad. It's the VCA that sets the prices, too. As far as he's concerned, he doesn't want to gouge people. What I especially like is that he does all bloodwork *there*, will look at stuff under the microscope (rather than sending things out), and 9 times out of 10 when you leave, you'll have answer. Where is your ferret's rash?