Ectoparasites in Pet Rats
Pocket Pet · Rattus norvegicus var. domestica · typical adult weight 0.25–0.70 kg
4 cited drugs treat Ectoparasites in pet rats: Doramectin, Fipronil, Ivermectin, Nitenpyram.
External parasites including fleas, ticks, mites, and lice. Isoxazolines, macrocyclic lactones, and pyrethroids each carry species-specific cautions (e.g. permethrin lethal in cats).
The overview above describes Ectoparasites across species; the citations below are the ExoticRx dose rules scoped to pet rats — a reference list, not new species-specific clinical guidance.
Doramectin(Dectomax)
Antiparasitic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC | 0.2–0.5 mg/kg | q7-14d x 2-3 treatments | Ecto- and endoparasites (mites, pinworms) | Moderate | Beck W, Pantchev N. Praktische Parasitologie bei Heimtieren, Schluetersche Verlagsgesellschaft MBH & Co, Hannover, Germany; 2006. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.776 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
Fipronil(Frontline)
Antiparasitic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| topical | 7.5 mg/kg | q30-60d | Fleas, ticks and lice | Moderate | Meredith A. BSAVA Small Animal Formulary: Part B: Exotic Pets, British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Quedgeley, Gloucester, UK; 2015. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.777 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
Ivermectin(Ivomec, Heartgard)
Antiparasitic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC | 0.4 mg/kg | Repeat at 14d | Fur mites / ear mites | Moderate | Morrisey JK, Carpenter JW. Formulary. In: Quesenberry KE, Carpenter JW, eds. Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 4th ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2021:620-630. — Verified against Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.777 (2026-08-01). |
Nitenpyram(Capstar)
Antiparasitic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 1 mg/kg | once | Fleas, flystrike | Moderate | Meredith A. BSAVA Small Animal Formulary: Part B: Exotic Pets, British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Quedgeley, Gloucester, UK; 2015. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.778 (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.