Systemic Fungal Infections in Ferrets
Pocket Pet · Mustela putorius furo · typical adult weight 0.60–2.00 kg
3 cited drugs treat Systemic Fungal Infections in ferrets: Amphotericin B, Griseofulvin, Ketoconazole.
Disseminated mycoses including blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and aspergillosis. Triazoles (itraconazole, voriconazole) are first-line for most; therapeutic drug monitoring is standard in psittacine and prolonged courses.
The overview above describes Systemic Fungal Infections across species; the citations below are the ExoticRx dose rules scoped to ferrets — a reference list, not new species-specific clinical guidance.
Amphotericin B(Fungizone, Abelcet)
Antifungal| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IV | 0.4–0.8 mg/kg | q7d, total dose 7-25 mg | Blastomycosis | Weak | Besch-Williford CL. Biology and medicine of the ferret. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 1987;17:1155-1183. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.934 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 11.2 (Antifungal Agents Used in Ferrets). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929 |
Griseofulvin(Fulvicin, Grisovin)
Antifungal| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 25 mg/kg | q12-24h | Refractory dermatomycosis | Weak | Morrisey JK, Carpenter JW, et al. Formulary. In: Quesenberry KE, OrcuttCJ, Mans C, et al. Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 4th ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2021:620-630. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.934 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 11.2 (Antifungal Agents Used in Ferrets). Located 2026-08-05: the only table covering this species in which the drug's own row prints this dose. The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929; Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery — ISBN 9780323484350, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323484350 |
Ketoconazole(Nizoral)
Antifungal| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 10–30 mg/kg | q12-24h | Fungal infection (general) | Weak | Quesenberry KE, Orcutt CJ, Mans C, Carpenter JW, eds. Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 4th ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO, 2021, Appendix: Formulary (Morrisey JK, Carpenter JW), Table A.2 'Antifungal Agents Used in Small Mammals', Ferrets column, printed p.623: 'Ketoconazole 10-30 mg/kg PO q12-24h' - the range served. NOTE: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed Table 11.2 and its ref 71 (Lewington 2000) both print a HIGHER ceiling, 10-50 mg/kg PO q12-24h. The served 30 mg/kg ceiling is the lower of two disagreeing sources. |
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.