toby is shaking

Question
My ferret, Toby is about a year and a couple months old, today he received his yearly shots and now I noticed him shaking, its been about 14 hours since his benadril, distemper, and rabies shots. Last year when he got his shots he didn't act like this. I've never noticed this behavior before. Please help

Answer
Hello Nikki,

Ferrets can have all sorts of reactions to shots, even if it is the exact same type given before without any problems.  This is the reason Benadryl is given before the shot.  I would recommend calling your vet and explaining his symptoms.  Shaking could be just the start of something worse, which concerns me.  Even though allergic reactions take place within the first 30 mins of the injection, there are other types of problems that could develop.  For example, one of my girls was fine with all vaccines until she was 4 years old.  Then, every time she got a vaccine (didn't matter if it was rabies or distemper), she would come down with pneumonia two weeks later.  It turns out she was having a delayed reaction caused by the shots.

Also, make sure your vet DOES NOT give rabies and distemper vaccines on the same visit.  They should be spaced out by at least 2-3 weeks to decrease the risk of a reaction.  Some vets do not do this, and it can be dangerous, even with the Benadryl.  

Best of luck with your little one!

-Cindy P.