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  • Fentanyl is an opioid medication used off-label to treat pain in cats and dogs. It is often given as an injection in hospital, but patches may be prescribed to deliver fentanyl transdermally (through the skin) for pets at home. This handout describes common side effects, risk factors, and drug interactions. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Ferrets are commonly affected by ear mite infestations. Many ferrets show no symptoms of infestation but you may notice your ferret shaking her head or scratching herself. Treatment for ear mites must be done under the guidance of a veterinarian familiar with ferrets.

  • Ferrets are carnivores and cannot digest a diet that contains more than 4% fiber. A good quality ferret diet should contain 32% to 40% protein and 10% to 15% fat. This handout provides the information needed to feed your ferret a balanced and healthy diet.

  • There are several common diseases or conditions that may affect the pet ferret. Like dogs, ferrets may get heartworms, distemper virus, heat stroke and a variety of cancerous conditions. Yearly veterinary health examinations are recommended to assess overall health.

  • Proper housing is essential for your ferret’s health, safety, and well-being. This article outlines cage requirements, bedding and enrichment recommendations, and important ferret-proofing considerations. Learn how to create a safe, comfortable environment for your ferret at home.

  • Mast cell tumors are one of the most common skin tumors in ferrets. They are typically a small, raised growth on the skin that erupts, may bleed, then heal, only to reoccur several weeks later in the same location. Mast cell tumors in ferrets do not spread to internal organs.

  • Ferrets are generally good-natured, inquisitive, playful animals that enjoy the company of humans. They can make great pets. This handout provides some basic facts about ferrets and what you need to know about keeping one as a pet.

  • Ferrous sulfate is a nutritional supplement used in cats and dogs as an iron supplement, usually in cases of chronic blood loss or during epoetin or darbepoetin therapy. It is also used to treat iron deficiency anemia in cats and dogs.

  • To be classified as a fever of unknown origin (FUO), the body temperature must be above 103.5°F (39.7°C) for longer than a few days, with no obvious underlying cause based on history and physical examination. A fever is beneficial to the body, but if a fever remains above 106°F (41.1°C) for more than a few days several consequences occur within the body and can be life threatening. If your pet has a fever, your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination, perform diagnostic blood tests, urine culture, and possibly other diagnostic tests. Antibiotics are often prescribed. Cats that have persistent fever or a fever that waxes and wanes must undergo a thorough work-up so that the cause of fever can be discovered and treated before irreversible damage occurs.

  • To be classified as a fever of unknown origin (FUO), the body temperature must be above 103.5°F (39.7°C) for longer than a few days, with no obvious underlying cause based on history and physical examination. A fever is beneficial to the body, but if a fever remains above 106°F (41.1°C) for more than a few days, several consequences occur within the body and can be life threatening. If your pet has a fever, your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination, perform diagnostic blood tests, urine culture, and possibly other diagnostic tests. Antibiotics are often prescribed.