How can you treat allergy in rats? - briefly
Allergic reactions in laboratory rats are managed by administering antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine, cetirizine) and, when required, short courses of corticosteroids such as dexamethasone to suppress inflammation. Supportive care involves eliminating the offending allergen, providing a hypoallergenic diet, and closely monitoring respiratory and dermatological signs.
How can you treat allergy in rats? - in detail
Allergic responses in laboratory rats can be mitigated through a combination of environmental management, pharmacological intervention, and, when appropriate, immunomodulatory strategies.
Environmental control reduces exposure to common allergens such as dust, bedding fibers, and food proteins. Replace standard bedding with low‑dust, hypoallergenic alternatives, and implement a strict cleaning schedule to limit airborne particles. Use purified water and feed formulated without known sensitizing proteins. Separate affected individuals from the main colony to prevent cross‑contamination.
Pharmacologic treatment targets the mediators of hypersensitivity. First‑line agents include antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (10–20 mg/kg, subcutaneously, every 8 h) or cetirizine (2–5 mg/kg, orally, once daily). For severe or refractory cases, corticosteroids—dexamethasone (0.2–0.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, once daily) or prednisolone (1–2 mg/kg, orally, divided doses)—provide anti‑inflammatory effects. Dosages must be adjusted for age, weight, and strain, and treatment duration should be limited to avoid immunosuppression.
When the allergen is identified, specific immunotherapy may be employed. Desensitization protocols involve gradual escalation of the offending antigen, administered subcutaneously or intradermally at intervals of 2–3 days, starting at 0.1 µg and increasing to a maintenance dose determined by tolerance testing. Monitoring for anaphylaxis during each injection is essential; emergency supplies of epinephrine (0.01 mg/kg, intramuscularly) should be readily available.
Supportive care includes fluid therapy to maintain hydration, antihistamine‑containing topical ointments for skin lesions, and analgesics such as buprenorphine (0.05 mg/kg, subcutaneously, every 12 h) to alleviate discomfort. Regular clinical assessment—body temperature, respiratory rate, and behavioral changes—allows early detection of worsening reactions.
Record‑keeping of allergen exposure, treatment regimens, and response outcomes facilitates refinement of protocols and contributes to reproducibility across studies.