How can you treat allergy in a rat? - briefly
Allergic responses in rats are controlled with antihistamines such as «diphenhydramine» or «cetirizine», administered orally or by injection, and with corticosteroids like «dexamethasone» for severe inflammation. Additional care involves eliminating the offending antigen, ensuring adequate hydration, and continuously assessing respiratory status.
How can you treat allergy in a rat? - in detail
Allergic reactions in laboratory rats require a systematic approach that includes accurate diagnosis, immediate symptom control, and long‑term management.
Initial assessment should identify the allergen, commonly proteins in feed, bedding materials, or environmental agents. Skin testing, serum IgE measurement, or observation of clinical signs such as pruritus, respiratory distress, and erythema guide diagnosis.
Acute symptom relief relies on pharmacologic intervention. Options include:
- Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine, cetirizine) administered intraperitoneally or orally at 1–5 mg kg⁻¹, depending on severity.
- Corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone) given subcutaneously at 0.1–0.5 mg kg⁻¹ for rapid anti‑inflammatory effect.
- Bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol) for respiratory compromise, delivered via nebulization or intratracheal injection.
Supportive care encompasses fluid therapy, temperature regulation, and monitoring of respiratory and cardiovascular parameters.
For chronic management, allergen avoidance is essential. Replace offending bedding, switch to hypoallergenic feed, and maintain low‑dust cage environments. Immunomodulatory strategies, such as subcutaneous allergen desensitization, may be employed under veterinary supervision, with gradual dose escalation over weeks.
Regular health checks track treatment efficacy and detect relapse. Adjust medication dosages based on weight changes and clinical response. Documentation of each intervention ensures reproducibility and compliance with institutional animal care guidelines.