A rat is barely breathing — what should be done? - briefly
If a rat is showing faint breathing, check its airway, keep it warm, and administer emergency oxygen if possible; then transport it to a veterinarian without delay.
A rat is barely breathing — what should be done? - in detail
When a rodent exhibits barely perceptible breathing, immediate assessment and intervention are critical to prevent irreversible damage.
First, ensure personal safety. Use disposable gloves and a mask to avoid zoonotic exposure. Place the animal on a clean, non‑slippery surface at room temperature (20‑22 °C) to reduce stress.
Next, evaluate the condition:
- Observe chest movements for any rhythmic expansion.
- Check for audible airflow by placing a hand near the nostrils.
- Look for cyanosis of the gums or extremities.
- Gently stimulate the tail base; a weak response indicates severe compromise.
If respiration is inadequate, take the following steps:
- Clear the airway – Remove any visible obstruction (food, bedding) with tweezers. Flush the nasal passages with a few drops of sterile saline if blockage is suspected.
- Provide supplemental oxygen – Position a small oxygen cannula or a mask delivering 2–3 L/min of flow directly over the snout. Monitor for improvement in chest rise.
- Support ventilation – If the rat does not resume spontaneous breathing within 30 seconds, perform gentle manual ventilation using a small syringe (1 mL) attached to a mask, delivering 0.5 mL breaths at a rate of 80–100 breaths per minute.
- Maintain body temperature – Cover the animal with a warm (not hot) blanket or use a low‑intensity heating pad set to 30 °C. Hypothermia can exacerbate respiratory failure.
- Administer emergency medication – If trained and authorized, inject a dose of a bronchodilator (e.g., albuterol) subcutaneously, following species‑specific dosage guidelines.
- Transport to a veterinarian – Package the rat in a ventilated container with a source of oxygen, and deliver it to a qualified clinic within 15 minutes. Provide a written summary of observations and interventions.
After stabilization, monitor vital signs continuously:
- Respiratory rate (target 70–120 breaths per minute).
- Heart rate (pulse at the femoral artery, 300–500 bpm).
- Color of mucous membranes.
Document all findings and actions. Prompt, systematic response maximizes the chance of recovery for a rat experiencing severe respiratory distress.