How can otitis be treated in rats? - briefly
Systemic antibiotics (e.g., enrofloxacin) paired with anti‑inflammatory agents, and, when indicated, topical otic preparations, constitute the primary medical regimen; severe inflammation or abscess formation may necessitate surgical drainage or tympanostomy.
How can otitis be treated in rats? - in detail
Otitis in laboratory rats commonly presents as erythema, swelling, discharge, or head shaking. Bacterial agents such as Staphylococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp., and fungal organisms like Aspergillus spp. are frequent etiologies. Accurate diagnosis requires otoscopic examination, cytology of exudate, and culture with sensitivity testing.
Medical management begins with antimicrobial therapy selected on culture results. Empirical options include:
- Enrofloxacin 10 mg/kg subcutaneously once daily for 5–7 days (covers most Gram‑negative bacteria).
- Trimethoprim‑sulfamethoxazole 30 mg/kg orally twice daily for 7 days (effective against many Gram‑positive and Gram‑negative organisms).
- Itraconazole 5 mg/kg orally once daily for 10 days (for confirmed fungal infection).
Anti‑inflammatory agents reduce pain and edema. Meloxicam 1 mg/kg subcutaneously every 24 hours for 3 days provides analgesia and inflammation control. In severe cases, a short course of dexamethasone 0.2 mg/kg intramuscularly may be added, monitoring for immunosuppression.
Topical treatment assists in clearing the canal. Prepare a sterile solution of 0.9 % saline with 1 % acetic acid; instill 0.02 ml into the affected ear twice daily for 5 days. For bacterial otitis, chloramphenicol ear drops (0.5 %) can be applied at the same frequency. Ensure the canal is gently flushed with the saline solution before each drop to remove debris.
Supportive care includes:
- Daily cleaning of the external ear with sterile gauze.
- Maintenance of a warm, dry environment to prevent secondary infection.
- Monitoring of body weight and food intake; provide softened diet if pain limits chewing.
Prevention relies on regular health surveillance, sterile handling of cages, and prompt treatment of upper‑respiratory infections that can spread to the ear. Routine otoscopic screening of breeding colonies identifies early lesions, reducing the need for extensive therapy.