Vaccines for Skunks

Re: Vaccines for Skunks

Ian Mostyn — Fri, 31 May 2013 19:05:46 GMT

3 clients who have or have had skunks. They all know each other so once you get one, they come along like buses.

Ian

Re: Vaccines for Skunks

Martin Atkinson — Fri, 31 May 2013 16:04:23 GMT

[quote user="Ian Mostyn"]

We have about half a dozen on the books.

[/quote] Is that one client with 6 or 6 clients with a skunk?

Re: Vaccines for Skunks

Ian Mostyn — Fri, 31 May 2013 15:48:01 GMT

We have about half a dozen on the books. Enough to have vaccinated them for a few years, neutered a few and for them not to be too unusual for us. They are quite friendly and cute although personally, I don't think they should be kept as pets. What you really want is a Richardson's Ground Squirrel, they are fantastic and definitely my favourite exotic pet.

Ian

Re: Vaccines for Skunks

Martin Atkinson — Fri, 31 May 2013 15:19:39 GMT

[quote user="Ian Mostyn"]

We do two initial vaccines against distemper but 4 weeks apart, a further booster at 12 months and then every 3 years after that. We have used this protocol after speaking to both Intervet (at the time) and Pfizer.

Ian

[/quote] Having never seen a skunk in practice even though I do a lot of work for an exotic/wildlife rescue service and have thus seen virtually every other wild animal in existence. I'm surprised that your post seems to suggest this is routine for you Ian. How many do actually see?

Re: Vaccines for Skunks

Marie Kubiak — Thu, 30 May 2013 09:39:48 GMT

We do similar to Ian, just check with the vaccine manufacturer of the brand you use prior to vaccinating - the general concensus is that if safe for ferrets then it should be ok for skunks. I always get owners to wait for 20mins after vaccination in case of adverse reaction as a precaution but have had none occur.

Marie

Re: Vaccines for Skunks

Ian Mostyn — Wed, 29 May 2013 22:50:28 GMT

Ian

Re: Vaccines for Skunks

Christopher Saul — Wed, 29 May 2013 21:04:04 GMT

I've just done a VIN search for you on the topic- couldnt resist - and it seems there is some debate about whether to use feline panleukopenia vaccine, and also canine distemper. There doesn't seem to be a consensus, though I'll keep searching.

Maybe call one of the vaccine manufacturers?

Maybe Mark can shed some light on the subject??