Cryptosporidiosis in Ferrets
Pocket Pet · Mustela putorius furo · typical adult weight 0.60–2.00 kg
2 cited drugs treat Cryptosporidiosis in ferrets: Nitazoxanide, Paromomycin.
Protozoal enteric infection caused by Cryptosporidium spp. — significant in calves, lambs, foals, reptiles (notably leopard geckos via C. saurophilum), and as a zoonotic concern. No reliably effective antiprotozoal in many species; supportive care remains the mainstay.
The overview above describes Cryptosporidiosis across species; the citations below are the ExoticRx dose rules scoped to ferrets — a reference list, not new species-specific clinical guidance.
Nitazoxanide(Alinia, Navigator)
Antiparasitic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 5 mg/kg | q12h | Cryptosporidiosis | Weak | Jepson L. Ferrets. In: Jepson L, eds. Exotic Animal Medicine: A Quick Reference Guide, 2nd ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2016:1-42. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.933 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
Paromomycin(Humatin)
Antibiotic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 165 mg/kg | q12h x 5 days | Cryptosporidiosis | Weak | Powers LV. Bacterial and parasitic diseases of ferrets. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2009;12:531-561. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.938 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice. Verify against current literature before clinical use.