Ferrets

CHAPTER 10 Ferrets



James K. Morrisey



TABLE 10-1 Antimicrobial and Antifungal Agents Used in Ferrets.
























































































































































































































































Agent Dosage Comments
Amikacin 8-16 mg/kg SC, IM, IV divided q8-24h65,100 Potentially ototoxic and nephrotoxic
  10-15 mg/kg SC, IM q12h11  
Amoxicillin — Can use with metronidazole and bismuth subsalicylate for Helicobacter
  20 mg/kg PO, SC q12h38 Helicobacter
  30 mg/kg PO q8h29 × 21 days  
Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (Clavamox, Pfizer) 12.5 mg/kg PO q12h13  
  13-25 mg/kg PO q8-12h38  
Amphotericin B 0.4-0.8 mg/kg IV q7d10 Blastomycosis; monitor for azotemia; total dose 7-25 mg
Ampicillin 5-30 mg/kg SC, IM, IV q8-12h11,63  
Azithromycin 5 mg/kg PO q24h77  
Cefadroxil 15-20 mg/kg PO q12h13  
Cephalexin 15-25 mg/kg PO q12h13  
  15-30 mg/kg PO q8h38  
Cephaloridine 10-25 mg/kg SC, IM q24h × 5-7 days89 Dermatitis
Chloramphenicol 25-50 mg/kg PO q12h13  
  30-50 mg/kg SC, IM, IV q12h11,17  
  50 mg/kg PO, SC, IM, IV q12h37,38 14-day minimum for proliferative bowel disease37,38
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro, Bayer) — Mix 500 mg tablet in 10 mL water (50 mg/mL)
  5-15 mg/kg PO q12h13 Flavor for improved acceptance
  10-30 mg/kg PO q24h17  
Clarithromycin 12.5 mg/kg PO q8-12h × 14 days50,56 Helicobacter; use with ranitidine bismuth citrate
  50 mg/kg PO q24h or divided q12h × 14 days63 Helicobacter; use with omeprazole (or ranitidine) and metronidazole
Clindamycin 5.5-10 mg/kg PO q12h13 Anaerobic infections; bone and dental disease
  12.5 mg/kg PO q12h102 Toxoplasmosis
Cloxacillin 10 mg/kg PO, IM, IV q6h10  
Enrofloxacin (Baytril, Bayer) 5-10 mg/kg PO, SC, IM q12h13 IM for short term (generally 1 injection); injectable form can be given PO in palatable liquid;13 liquid for PO can also be compounded
8.5 mg/kg PO q24h or divided q12h50 Can be used with bismuth subsalicylate for Helicobacter
  10-20 mg/kg PO, SC, IM q12h100  
  10-30 mg/kg PO, SC, IM q24h86  
Erythromycin 10 mg/kg PO q6h10  
  220 g/ton feed27 Controlling Campylobacter diarrhea in large groups
Gentamicin 2 mg/kg PO q12h × 10-14 days20 Parenteral form can be given PO; proliferative colitis that is nonresponsive to chloramphenicol11,20
  2-4 mg/kg SC, IM, IV q12h13 If given IV, dilute with saline and administer over 20 min
  5 mg/kg SC, IM q24h17
Griseofulvin 25 mg/kg PO q1265-24h38 Refractory dermatomycosis; use with lime-sulfur dips q7d38
Ketoconazole 10-30 mg/kg PO q8h10  
  10-30 mg/kg PO q12-24h100  
  10-50 mg/kg PO q12-24h51  
Lime sulfur Dip q7d38 Dermatomycosis; see griseofulvin
Lincomycin 11 mg/kg PO q8h13  
Metronidazole — Anaerobic infections; can use with amoxicillin and bismuth subsalicylate for Helicobacter
  15-20 mg/kg PO q12h11  
  20 mg/kg PO q12h38,39  
  50 mg/kg PO q24h17  
Neomycin 10-20 mg/kg PO q6h10,17 Potential nephrotoxicity and neuromuscular blockage
Netilmicin (Netromycin, Schering) 6-8 mg/kg SC, IM, IV q24h47 Severe staphylococcal infections
Oxytetracycline 20 mg/kg PO q8h10,13,17  
Penicillin G (sodium or potassium) 20,000 U/kg IM q12h51  
40,000-44,000 U/kg SC,65 IM q24h10,11,13  
Pentamidine isethionate 3-4 mg/kg SC q48h42 Pneumocystis pneumonia
Sulfadimethoxine 25 mg/kg PO, SC, IM q24h13  
  30-50 mg/kg PO q12-24h17  
Sulfamethazine 1-5 mg/mL drinking water62  
Sulfasoxazole 50 mg/kg PO q8h13  
Tetracycline 20 mg/kg PO q8h17  
  25 mg/kg PO q12h10  
Trimethoprim/sulfa 5 mg/kg PO q24h31 Pyelonephritis
  15 mg/kg IV q12h8  
  15-30 mg/kg PO, SC q12h38 Dosage amount of combined drugs
Tylosin (Tylan, Elanco) 5-10 mg/kg IM, IV q12h17  
  10 mg/kg PO, SC q8-12h13,17,63  


TABLE 10-2 Antiparasitic Agents Used in Ferrets.



















































































































































































Agent Dosage Comments
Amitraz (Mitaban, Upjohn) Topical to affected area q7-14d × 3-6 treatments61,63 Demodecosis; use full concentration
  0.0125% solution q7d × 3 treatments then 0.0375% q7d × 3 treatments69 Demodecosis secondary to other illness
Amprolium 19 mg/kg PO q24h13 Coccidiosis
  100 mg/kg PO in food or water for 7 days42 Isospora
Carbaryl powder (5%) Topical q7d × 3-6 treatments13 Ectoparasites
Decoquinate 0.5 mg/kg PO for at least 2 weeks77 Coccidiosis, larger groups of ferrets
Fenbendazole 20 mg/kg PO q24h × 5 days62  
  50 mg/kg PO q24h × 30 days1 Mesocestoides infection
Fipronil (Frontline, Merial) 1 pump of spray or ⅕-½ of cat pipette topical q60d61 Flea adulticide
  0.2-0.4 mL topically q30d100  
Imidacloprid (Advantage, Bayer) 1 cat dose divided onto 2-3 spots along dorsum q30d61 Flea adulticide
  0.1 mL topically q30d100 Use small cat/kitten vial
  0.4 mL topically q30d51  
Imidacloprid/moxidectin (Advantage Multi, Bayer) 1.9-3.3 μg/kg topically q30d77 Heartworm prevention
Ivermectin 0.05 mg/kg PO q30d38,94 Heartworm preventative; adminster 1 mo before and continue to 2 mo after possible mosquito exposure
  0.05 mg/kg PO q30d until negative testing97 Recommended treatment for heartworms; give prednisolone (1 mg/kg/d) concurrently
  0.05 mg/kg PO, SC26,94 Heartworm microfilaricide; 3-4 wk postadulticide treatment
  0.05-0.3 mg/kg PO q24h for 1 mo after negative skin scraping8 Demodecosis
  0.055 mg/ferret PO q30d38 Heartworm preventative (Heartgard, Merial); use small cat dose
  0.2-0.5 mg/kg SC q14d × 3 treatments38 Sarcoptic mange
  0.4 mg/kg PO, SC, repeat in 14-28 days38,83 Ear mites, ticks
  0.5-1 mg/kg in ears, repeat in 14 days13,38 Ear mites; half dose in each ear; treat cats and dogs in house concurrently
Lime sulfur Dip 1:40 dilution q7d × 6 wk100 Demodectic mange26
Lufenuron (Program, Novartis) 30-45 mg/kg PO q30d47 Flea larvicide
Mebendazole 50 mg/kg PO q12h × 2 days42 Nematodes
Melarsomine dihydrochloride (Immiticide, Merial) 2.5 mg/kg IM once, repeat in 30 days with 2 treatments 24 hr apart13 Heartworm adulticide; less commonly used; use prednisone (1 mg/kg q24h × 4 mo) following treatment
Metronidazole 15-20 mg/kg PO q12h × 14 days10 Gastrointestinal protozoa
Milbemycin oxime (Interceptor, Novartis) 1.15-2.33 mg/kg PO q30d91 Heartworm preventative
Moxidectin 0.1 mL SC97 Heartworm treatment (single dose) or prevention every 6 mo
  0.17 mg SC once77 Heartworm adulticide
Paramomycin 165 mg/kg PO q12h × 5d77 Cryptosporidiosis; possible treatment; use with caution, severe renal disease possible
Piperazine 50-100 mg/kg PO q14d13 Intestinal nematodes
Praziquantel (Droncit, Bayer) 5-10 mg/kg PO, SC, repeat in 1065-14d10 Cestodes
  25 mg/kg PO × 3d77 Trematodes
Pyrantel pamoate 4.4 mg/kg PO, repeat in 14 days13  
Pyrethrins Topical q7d prn61 Fleas; use products safe for puppies and kittens
Pyrimethamine 0.5 mg/kg PO q12h42 Toxoplasmosis; antiprotozoal
Selamectin (Revolution, Pfizer) 6-10 mg/kg topically62,63 Ectoparasites (fleas, lice, most mites except Demodex); doses of up to 10-12 mg/kg have also been recommended
  15 mg topically q30d21 Ear mites, fleas
  18 mg/kg topically77 Heartworm prevention
Sulfadimethoxine 20-50 mg/kg PO q24h9 Coccidia
  50 mg/kg PO, then 25 mg/kg q24h × 9 days10  
Thiabendazole/dexamethasone/neomycin (Tresaderm, Merial) 2 drops in each ear q24h × 7 days, off 7 days, on 7 days73 Ear mites


TABLE 10-3 Chemical Restraint/Anesthetic Agents Used in Ferrets.




























































































































































































































Agent Dosage Comments
Acepromazine — See ketamine for combination
  0.1-0.25 mg/kg SC, IM10,24 Preanesthetic; light sedation
  0.2-0.5 mg/kg SC, IM24 Tranquilization
Alphaxalone/alphadalone (Saffan, Glaxovet) 6-8 mg/kg IM55 Anesthesia; used mostly in laboratory situations; not available in the United States
8-12 mg/kg IV15
Atipamezole (Antisedan, Pfizer) 0.4 mg/kg IM19 Dexmedetomidinea and medetomidinea reversal; give same volume SC, IV, IP as medetomidine or dexmedetomidine (5× medetomidine or 10× dexmedetomidine dose in mg)
1 mg/kg SC, IV, IP23
Atropine 0.04-0.05 mg/kg SC, IM, IV22,35,38 Preanesthetic; bradycardia; hypersalivation
Bupivacaine 1 mg/kg epidurally64 Epidural anesthesia/analgesia
  1-1.5 mg/kg SC infiltrate45 Local anesthesia; lasts several hours
Dexmedetomidinea (Dexdomitor, Orion) 0.04-0.1 mg/kg IM64 α2 agonist similar to medetomidine; not commonly used because of bradycardia and other side effects
Diazepam — See ketamine for combinations
  0.5 mg/kg PO, IM, IV q6-8h76 Smooth muscle relaxation in urethral obstruction cases
  0.5-1 mg/kg/hr constant-rate infusion4 Seizure control
  ≤1 mg/kg IM11 Stimulates appetite
  1 mg/animal IV38 Seizure control; 1-2 boluses
  1-1.5 mg/hr continuous IV38 Status epilepticus control
  1-2 mg/kg IM11,24 Tranquilization; seizure control4
Enflurane 2% maintenance19 Anesthesia
Etomidate 1 mg/kg IV45 Induction and intubation of critically ill animal
Fentanyl citrate/fluanisone (Hypnorm, Janssen) 0.3 mg/kg IM19 Anesthesia; not available in the United States
Fentanyl/droperidol (Innovar-Vet, Schering Plough) 0.15 mL/kg IM24 Minor surgical procedures; deep sedation
Glycopyrrolate 0.01 mg/kg IM35 Preanesthetic; bradycardia; hypersalivation
Isoflurane 5% induction; 2%-3% maintenance11 Inhalant anesthetic of choice
Ketamine — Ketamine combinations follow
  10-20 mg/kg IM24 Tranquilization
  ≤20 mg/kg IM35 Induction; higher doses may cause apnea
  30-60 mg/kg IM24 Anesthesia
Ketamine (K)/acepromazine (A) (K) 20-35 mg/kg + (A) 0.2-0.35 mg/kg SC, IM38 Anesthesia
Ketamine (K)/diazepam (D) (K) 10-20 mg/kg + (D) 1-2 mg/kg IM38 Anesthesia; poor analgesia60
  (K) 25-35 mg/kg + (D) 2-3 mg/kg IM10,60  
  0.1 mL/kg IV19 Induction; will allow intubation with premedication; use equal volumes of (K) at 100 mg/mL and (D) at 5 mg/mL
Ketamine (K)/dexmedetomidine (D) (K) 5 mg/kg IM + (D) 0.03 mg/kg IM87 Medetomidine no longer commercially available; dexmedetomidine at half the dose of medetomidine may be effectivea
Ketamine (K)/medetomidine (M) or dexmedetomidine (D)/butorphanol (B) — Medetomidine no longer commercially available; dexmedetomidine at half the dose of medetomidine may be effectivea
  (K) 5 mg/kg + (M) 0.08 mg/kg or (D) 0.04 mg/kg + (B) 0.1 mg/kg IM19 Induction
Ketamine (K)/midazolam (M) (K) 5-10 mg/kg + (M) 0.25-0.5 mg/kg IV63  
  0.1 mL/kg IV19 Induction; use equal volumes of (K) at 100 mg/mL and (M) at 5 mg/mL
Ketamine (K)/xylazine (X) (K) 10-25 mg/kg + (X) 1-2 mg/kg IM38,60 Anesthesia; avoid in sick animals;38 may result in cardiac arrhythmias60
Lidocaine 1-2 mg/kg total SC45 Local anesthesia; use 1-2% solution; lasts 15-30 min
Midazolam (Versed, Roche) — See ketamine for combination
0.25-0.3 mg/kg SC, IM45 Mild sedation; premedication
Morphine 0.1 mg/kg90 Epidural anesthesia; see Table 10-4 for analgesia
Naloxone (Narcan, Dupont) 0.01-0.03 mg/kg IM, IV15 Reversal of opioids; up to 1 mg/kg may be used55
0.04 mg/kg SC, IM, IV12
Pentobarbital 1-2 mg/kg PO q12h13 Seizure control; use oral elixir
Propofol 1-3 mg/kg IV53 Induction
  2-5 mg/kg IV18,19 Induction
  5-8 mg/kg IV15  
Sevoflurane To effect63 Anesthesia
Thiopental (2%) 8-12 mg/kg IV18,19 Induction
Tiletamine/zolazepam (Telazol, Fort Dodge) 12-22 mg/kg IM74 Minor surgical procedures at 22 mg/kg; recovery may be prolonged at higher doses; poor muscle relaxation; rarely indicated
Xylazine — See ketamine for combination
  0.1-0.5 mg/kg SC, IM65 Tranquilization; may cause hypotension, bradycardia, and arrhythmias; use with care in sick animals
Yohimbine (Yobine, Lloyd) 0.2 mg/kg IV15 Xylazine reversal
  0.5-1 mg/kg IM15,65,95  

a Dexmedetomidine (0.5 mg/mL) is an α2 agonist that is the active optical enantiomer of racemic compound medetomidine; ½ the dose of medetomidine (1 mg/mL) but same volume; although the same effects would be expected as with medetomidine (not commercially available, but can be obtained through various compounding services), there is limited data on the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine in ferrets, and, to date, appears to have been seldom used clinically in ferrets; the effects of the v/v use of the two drugs may not be equivalent, so the dose of dexmedetomidine may need to be adjusted based on clinical response.



TABLE 10-4 Analgesic Agents Used in Ferrets.

















































































































Agent Dosage Comments
Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) 0.5-22 mg/kg PO q8-24h38 Analgesia; antiinflammatory; antipyretic
10-20 mg/kg PO q24h100
Buprenorphine 12 μg/kg epidurallya Epidural analgesia/anesthesia
  0.01-0.03 mg/kg SC, IM, IV q8-12h35,55 Analgesia
  0.01-0.05 mg/kg SC, IM,100 IV13 q8-12h  
Butorphanol — See ketamine (Table 10-3) for anesthetic combination
  0.05-0.5 mg/kg SC, IM q8-12h13,55 Analgesia
  0.1-0.5 mg/kg SC, IM, IV q4-6h12,15  
Carprofen (Rimadyl, Pfizer) 1 mg/kg PO q12-24h13 Nonsteroidal, antiinflammatory; use caution in animals with gastritis or enteritis
1-5 mg/kg PO q12-24h12
Fentanyl citrate 1.25-5 μg/kg/hr IV via constant rate infusiona Postoperative analgesia
  10-30 μg/kg/hr IV via constant rate infusiona Perioperative analgesia, after loading dose of 5-10 μg/kg IV
Flunixin meglumine (Banamine, Schering) 0.3 mg/kg PO, SC q24h13 Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory; use caution in animals with gastritis or enteritis; use caution in using drug more than 5 days continuously; mix injectable form with palatable syrup for PO
0.5-2 mg/kg SC, IV q12-24h35
Gabapentin 3-5 mg/kg PO q8-24h64 Neurotropic pain; may cause sedation at higher doses
Hydromorphone 0.1-0.2 mg/kg SC, IM, IV51 Opioid
Ibuprofen 1 mg/kg PO q12-24h63 Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory
Ketamine 0.1-0.4 mg/kg/hr IV via constant rate infusiona Postoperative analgesia
  0.3-1.2 mg/kg/hr IV via constant rate infusiona Perioperative analgesia after 2-5 mg/kg IV loading dose
Ketoprofen (Ketofen, Fort Dodge) 1-3 mg/kg PO, SC, IM q24h65 Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory; use caution with gastritis or enteritis or if using >5 days
Meloxicam (Metacam, Boehringer Ingelheim) 0.2 mg/kg PO, SC, IM q24h41,45 Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory; monitor liver and kidney values
Meperidine (Demerol, Winthrop-Breon) 5-10 mg/kg SC, IM, IV q2-4h35 Analgesia
Morphine 0.2-2 mg/kg IM15 Analgesia
  0.5-5 mg/kg SC, IM q2-6h35  
Nalbuphine (Nubain, Endo Labs) 0.5-1.5 mg/kg IM, IV q2-3h35 Analgesia
Oxymorphone 0.05-0.2 mg/kg SC, IM, IV q8-12h35,45 Analgesia
Pentazocine (Talwin, Sanofi Winthrop) 5-10 mg/kg IM q4h35 Analgesia
Tramadol 5 mg/kg PO q12-2445 Anaglesia; synergistic with NSAIDs

a M Hawkins. Personal communication. 2011.



TABLE 10-5 Cardiopulmonary Agents Used in Ferrets.





























































































Agent Dosage Comments
Aminophylline 4 mg/kg PO, IM, IV q12h13 Bronchodilator
  4.4-6.6 mg/kg PO, IM q12h38  
Atenolol (Tenormin, ICI) 3.125-6.25 mg/kg PO q24h49,75 β-adrenergic blocker for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
  6.25 mg/animal PO q24h13,93
Atropine 0.02-0.04 mg/kg SC, IM13 Bradycardia
  0.1 mg/kg IT70  
Benazepril 0.25-0.5 mg/kg PO q24h49,97 Vasodilator; less nephrotoxic than enalapril
Captopril (Capoten, Squibb) ⅛ of 12.5 mg tablet/animal PO q48h38 Vasodilator; starting dose, gradually increase to q12-24h; can cause lethargy
Digoxin (Cardoxin, Evsco) 0.005-0.01 mg/kg PO q12-24h13,83 Positive inotrope for dilated cardiomyopathy; monitor serum levels
  0.01 mg/kg PO q12h, start at 75% lean BW38
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Marion Merrill Dow) 1.5-7.5 mg/kg PO q12h13,92 Calcium channel blocker for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Doxapram 1-2 mg/kg IV22 Respiratory stimulant
  5-11 mg/kg IV10  
Enalapril (Enacard, Merck) 0.25-0.5 mg/kg PO q24-48h13,83,93 Vasodilator for dilated cardiomyopathy; do not use with concurrent renal disease7
  ⅛ of 2.5 mg tablet/animal PO q24h38
Epinephrine 0.02 mg/kg SC, IM, IV, IT79 Cardiac arrest; anaphylactic reactions
Furosemide 1-4 mg/kg PO, SC, IM, IV q8-12h13 Diuretic; use high dose in fulminate heart failure
Nitroglycerin (2%) ointment (Nitrol, Savage) 1/16-⅛ inch/animal q12-24h11 Vasodilator for cardiomyopathy; apply to shaved inner thigh or pinna
Pimobendan 0.5 mg/kg q12h97 Phosphodiesterase inhibitor; increases cardiac contractility with dilated cardiomyopathy or mitral valve disease
  0.625-1.25 mg/kg q12h49
Propranolol (Inderal, Wyeth-Ayerst) 0.2-1 mg/kg PO q8-12h38 β-blocker for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; may cause lethargy, loss of appetite11
2 mg/kg PO, SC q12h10,11
Theophylline 4.25 mg/kg PO q8-12h13 Bronchodilator; use elixir


TABLE 10-6 Adrenal Gland Disease Agents Used in Ferrets.
























































Agent Dosage Comments
Anastrazole (Arimidex, Astrazeneca Pharmaceuticals) 0.1 mg/kg PO q24h85,99 Estrogen inhibitor; precursor hormones blocked by inhibition of aromatase enzyme; use until signs resolve then 7 days on, 7 days off, etc.; pregnant owners should avoid handling agent
Bicalutamide (Casodex, Astrazeneca Pharmaceuticals) 5 mg/kg PO q24h85,99 Testosterone inhibitor; competitively inhibits androgen by binding to receptors in target tissues; use until clinical signs resolve then 7 days on, 7 days off, etc.; pregnant owners should avoid handling agent
Deoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) 2 mg/kg IM q21d32 Treatment of adrenal insufficiency following bilateral adrenalectomy
Deslorelin (Suprelorin, Peptech Animal Health) 4.7 mg implant SC98 Treatment of adrenal disease; lasts 10-18 months; not available in the United States; must be imported
Finasteride 5 mg/kg PO q24h84 Treatment of prostatic enlargement; for use with adrenal disease
Flutamide (Eulexin, Schering) 10 mg/kg PO q12-24h13,80 Androgen inhibitor; reduces enlarged periurethral prostate tissue; lifetime treatment; associated with mammary tumors44
Leuprolide acetate — Long acting GnRH analog that may cause an initial stimulation then suppression of LH and FSH; palliative treatment of adrenal disease (will not resolve tumor); administer q28d until clinical signs regress, then treatment interval can be up to 6-8 wk; lifetime treatment; higher dosage may shrink prostate within 12-48 hr which may improve urine flow in cases of urethral obstruction; must be prepared in aliquots and frozen (although the effects of freezing on drug efficacy are questionable) until used; very expensive
   
   
   
   
   
     


• Lupron, Depot 30 day (TAP)

Related posts:

  1. Birds
  2. Invertebrates
  3. Sugar gliders
  4. Wildlife

Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Tags:
Aug 21, 2016 | Posted by in EXOTIC, WILD, ZOO | Comments Off on Ferrets

Full access? Get Clinical Tree

 Get Clinical Tree app for offline access