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Systemic Fungal Infections in Pet Rats

Pocket Pet · Rattus norvegicus var. domestica · typical adult weight 0.25–0.70 kg

2 cited drugs treat Systemic Fungal Infections in pet rats: Itraconazole, 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 pet rats — a reference list, not new species-specific clinical guidance.

Itraconazole(Sporanox, Itrafungol)

Antifungal
RouteDoseFrequencyIndicationEvidenceSource
PO2.5–10 mg/kgq24hSystemic and dermatophyte mycosesModerateMeredith A. BSAVA Small Animal Formulary: Part B: Exotic Pets, British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Quedgeley, Gloucester, UK; 2015. | 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. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.772 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW)

Ketoconazole(Nizoral)

Antifungal
RouteDoseFrequencyIndicationEvidenceSource
PO10–40 mg/kgq24h x 14 daysSystemic mycoses; candidiasisModerateMorrisey 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. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.772 (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.

Systemic Fungal Infections in Pet Rats: 2 Cited Drug Options | ExoticRx