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Alfaxalone for Ferret

Pocket Pet · Mustela putorius furo · typical adult weight 0.60–2.00 kg

Alfaxalone is used in ferret for Anaesthesia induction. Routes documented in ferret: IM, IV. A typical adult ferret weighs 0.60–2.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 2 cited dose rules for Alfaxalone in ferret, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.

Trade names: Alfaxan

Dose ranges

RouteDoseFrequencyIndicationEvidenceSource
IM10–20 mg/kgOnceAnaesthesia inductionModerateExoticRx 2026 (ferret dosing guide); Carpenter 6e
IV2–5 mg/kgOnceAnaesthesia inductionModerateCarpenter 6e

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These ranges are per kg. Enter your ferret's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.

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Mechanism of action

Neuroactive steroid that modulates GABA-A receptors, producing dose-dependent sedation to general anesthesia.

Side effects & warnings

Apnea with rapid IV injection — titrate slowly. No analgesic properties. Short shelf life once broached (use within 6 hours unless preserved formulation). Good safety profile in exotic species.

Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for ferret may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.

Other Anesthetic drugs with ferret dosing

Alfaxalone dosing in other species

Why a species-specific page? Alfaxalone pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in ferret — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.

Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.