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Small Mammals

  • Ivermectin is used for control of parasites in rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets. It is used for control of roundworms and external parasites such as mites and lice.

  • Ferrets can make good pets. A commercial ferret food is normally recommended, and they easily learn to use a litterbox.

  • Rabbits make a good alternative to a dog or cat. They are usually not aggressive, don't have to be walked, and can be trained to use a litterbox or tray.

  • Small rodents (rats and mice) are very popular pets. Compared to dogs and cats, they have a shorter life-span (1-4 years depending upon the species).

  • Permethrin is an antiparasitic agent prescribed by your veterinarian for control of fleas, ticks, lice, and blowfly larvae (fly strike) on rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, and mice.

  • It is firstly worth mentioning that rabbit urine varies tremendously in colour – it can be anything from the conventional yellow to an alarming red. It can even contain large amounts of chalky sediment. All are normal!

  • Once the cause is identified, pain relief can be started. We are fortunate that there are a growing number of drugs that appear effective and safe enough for use in rabbits and rodents.

  • Should small mammals be neutered? Aside from birth control, there may be other issues at play.

  • Ferrets have several unique problems; understanding these problems will allow you to better care for your pet and minimise future health care problems.

  • Guinea pigs originated in South America but were probably introduced into Europe soon after the first Spanish explorers returned from that continent in the 1500s. Even though they came from a sub-tropical area these rodents proved to be hardy and adapted to temperate climates.