Pocket Pet · Mustela putorius furo · typical adult weight 0.60–2.00 kg
Theophylline is dosed at 4.25–10 mg/kg PO q8-12h in ferrets, per Hedley J. Small Animal Formulary-Part B: Exotic Pets, 10th ed., British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Gloucester, UK; 2020. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.959 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 11.10 (Miscellaneous Agents Used in Ferrets.a). Theophylline is used in ferrets for Bronchodilation. Routes documented in ferrets: PO. A typical adult ferret weighs 0.60–2.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Theophylline in ferrets, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Theo-Dur, Theo-24
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 4.25–10 mg/kg | q8-12h | Bronchodilation | Weak | Hedley J. Small Animal Formulary-Part B: Exotic Pets, 10th ed., British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Gloucester, UK; 2020. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.959 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 11.10 (Miscellaneous Agents Used in Ferrets.a).Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
Every held source for this drug and species, as printed. Where they differ, both are shown — the choice is yours, not ours.
| Dose (mg/kg) | Route | Source | As printed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.25–10 | PO | BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th ed — Part B (Exotic Pets)p.281 | 4.25-10 mg/kg p.o. q8-12h; Guinea pigs, Rats: 10-20 mg/kg p.o. q8-12h |
| 10–20 | PO | BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th ed — Part B (Exotic Pets)p.281 | 4.25-10 mg/kg p.o. q8-12h; Guinea pigs, Rats: 10-20 mg/kg p.o. q8-12h |
| 4.25–10 | PO | Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th edTable 11.10 | 4.25-10 mg/kg PO q8- 12h |
Figures are transcribed from the cited page or table of each held edition and are shown for reference only. They are not dose recommendations, they do not feed the calculator, and none has been reviewed by a veterinarian.
Typical range: 0.6–2 kg
If provided, volume will be calculated alongside dose.
Reference only. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Inhibits phosphodiesterase, increasing cAMP. Also antagonizes adenosine receptors. Relaxes bronchial smooth muscle and improves diaphragmatic contractility.
Narrow therapeutic index. Serum monitoring recommended (10-20 mcg/ml). Tachycardia, GI upset, CNS stimulation, seizures in overdose. Many drug interactions (fluoroquinolones, cimetidine increase levels).
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for ferrets may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Theophylline dose range in ferrets, with cited source references: PO 4.25–10 mg/kg q8-12h. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Theophylline in ferrets: PO.
Theophylline is indicated in ferrets for: Bronchodilation.
These are general warnings for Theophylline across species; consult the ferret dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Narrow therapeutic index. Serum monitoring recommended (10-20 mcg/ml). Tachycardia, GI upset, CNS stimulation, seizures in overdose. Many drug interactions (fluoroquinolones, cimetidine increase levels).
Why a species-specific page? Theophylline pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in ferrets — 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.