How do you treat a rat for fungal infection? - briefly
Apply a topical antifungal such as clotrimazole or miconazole cream to the lesions once or twice daily for 7–10 days, and for disseminated infection give oral itraconazole at 5–10 mg/kg once daily for 2–3 weeks. Keep the cage dry, clean, and disinfect surfaces with a 1 % chlorhexidine solution to prevent reinfection.
How do you treat a rat for fungal infection? - in detail
Treating a rat that has a fungal infection requires accurate diagnosis, appropriate antifungal therapy, and supportive care.
First, confirm the infection by collecting samples from lesions, skin scrapings, or ear canals. Examine specimens under a microscope for hyphae or spores, and send cultures to a veterinary laboratory for species identification. Accurate identification guides drug selection and dosage.
Select an antifungal agent based on the identified organism and the rat’s health status. Common systemic options include:
- Itraconazole (5 mg/kg orally once daily) – effective against dermatophytes and systemic molds.
- Fluconazole (10 mg/kg orally once daily) – useful for Candida species.
- Terbinafine (10 mg/kg orally once daily) – good for dermatophyte infections.
Topical treatments complement systemic therapy for cutaneous lesions:
- 2 % miconazole cream applied to affected skin twice daily.
- Chlorhexidine‑miconazole shampoo used for bathing every 48 hours.
Administer medications for a minimum of 4 weeks, extending treatment for 2 weeks beyond clinical resolution to prevent relapse. Monitor liver enzymes and renal function weekly, adjusting dosage if values rise.
Supportive measures improve recovery:
- Provide a warm, dry environment to inhibit fungal growth.
- Offer a high‑protein, vitamin‑rich diet to strengthen immunity.
- Keep bedding material sterile; replace with paper or aspen shavings to reduce spore load.
- Clean cages with a diluted bleach solution (1 % sodium hypochlorite) and rinse thoroughly.
If the infection is localized to the ear, clean the canal with a sterile saline flush, then apply a 1 % clotrimazole ointment twice daily for 7–10 days.
Re‑evaluate the rat after two weeks of therapy. Persistent lesions may indicate resistance or secondary bacterial infection; consider culture sensitivity testing and adjust treatment accordingly.
Prevent future fungal problems by maintaining low humidity, regular cage sanitation, and prompt isolation of any animal showing early signs of infection.