Message Number: YG7844 | New FHL Archives Search
From: Bruce Williams, DVM
Date: 2001-10-09 14:18:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Swollen third eyelid and swollen head - Dr Williams

--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "Ulrike" <ferretlove@n...> wrote:
> Dear Dr Williams
The tablets are 5mg and she thinks that a fifth of a
> tablet once a day is appropriate for Spike. Spike weighs 1.5kg.
I'm still
> concerned about giving him painkiller just once a day, I can't see
how the
> painkiller would work for 24 hours and I don't want Spike to be in
pain?
> Could you please let me know what dosage and frequency is alright
for Spike?


Dear Ulrike:

Yes, I believe that one dosage daily would probably not be enough -
the dosage for torbutrol is generally 0.05 - 0.5 mg/kg a minimum of
twice daily, and up to every 4 hours in terminal cases. As this is
not simple post-operative pain, but pain that may increase until it
is time to put him down, I generally don't suggest we scrimp on the
meds or give a dose that is convenient for us. Overdose of torbutrol
may result in a slowing of breathing and possibly even cessation if
too much is given too oftn, but if you stay within the guidelines
above, and increase gradually, the chances are pretty slim that it
will happen, especially if you are only dosing two to three times
daily and not at the highest end of the dosage scale.

Best of luck,

Bruce Williams, DVM