How can cystitis in a rat be treated? - briefly
Effective management combines antimicrobial therapy (e.g., trimethoprim‑sulfamethoxazole or enrofloxacin) with anti‑inflammatory agents such as meloxicam, alongside supportive measures like increased hydration and bladder irrigation. Monitoring urine culture and adjusting treatment according to susceptibility ensures resolution and prevents recurrence.
How can cystitis in a rat be treated? - in detail
Cystitis in laboratory rats requires rapid intervention to prevent progression to pyelonephritis and systemic infection. Initial assessment should include clinical observation (hematuria, dysuria, reduced water intake) and confirmation by urine culture or histopathology.
Antibiotic therapy constitutes the primary measure. Empirical selection often relies on agents effective against common uropathogens such as Escherichia coli and Proteus species. First‑line options include:
- Enrofloxacin 10 mg/kg, subcutaneously, once daily for 5–7 days.
- Trimethoprim‑sulfamethoxazole 30 mg/kg, orally, twice daily for 7 days.
Culture‑guided therapy adjusts the regimen based on susceptibility patterns, reducing resistance risk.
Adjunctive anti‑inflammatory treatment mitigates bladder wall edema and pain. Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as meloxicam 0.2 mg/kg, subcutaneously, every 24 h for 3 days, are commonly employed.
Supportive care maintains hydration and urinary flow. Subcutaneous lactated Ringer’s solution (10 ml/kg) administered twice daily for 48 h prevents dehydration. Forced feeding with a moist diet encourages fluid intake.
Bladder irrigation may be indicated when obstruction or severe inflammation impedes urine passage. A sterile 0.9 % saline solution, infused gently through a catheter (24‑gauge), can be performed once, followed by observation for improvement.
Experimental modalities include:
- Intravesical instillation of hyaluronic acid (0.1 % solution, 0.5 ml, once daily for 3 days) to restore mucosal barrier.
- Probiotic supplementation (e.g., Lactobacillus rhamnosus, 10⁸ CFU, oral gavage) to modulate urinary microbiota.
Outcome monitoring involves daily weight measurement, urine analysis, and, when necessary, repeat cystoscopy or histological sampling. Successful resolution is defined by absence of hematuria, normalized urine culture, and restored bladder architecture on tissue examination.