How do you treat mycoplasmosis in pet rats? - briefly
Administer a veterinarian‑prescribed course of a mycoplasma‑effective antibiotic such as doxycycline or enrofloxacin, combined with supportive care (hydration, nutrition, and stress reduction). Monitor the rat closely and complete the full treatment regimen to prevent relapse.
How do you treat mycoplasmosis in pet rats? - in detail
Mycoplasma infections in laboratory and companion rats require prompt antimicrobial therapy, supportive care, and environmental management.
Initial assessment should confirm the presence of respiratory signs—nasal discharge, sneezing, labored breathing—and, when possible, a laboratory diagnosis via PCR or culture of oropharyngeal swabs. Early identification allows targeted treatment and reduces morbidity.
Antimicrobial regimen
- Doxycycline: 5 mg/kg orally every 12 hours for 10–14 days.
- Enrofloxacin: 10 mg/kg orally once daily for 7–10 days, alternative for doxycycline‑intolerant animals.
- Tetracycline: 25 mg/kg orally every 12 hours for 10 days, useful when doxycycline is unavailable.
Select the drug based on susceptibility testing, if results are available, and consider the rat’s age and renal function. Avoid prolonged use of fluoroquinolones in young animals due to cartilage toxicity.
Supportive measures
- Maintain ambient temperature at 22–24 °C to reduce respiratory stress.
- Provide humidified air (e.g., a shallow water dish) to ease mucosal irritation.
- Offer high‑quality protein‑rich food and electrolyte‑enhanced water to counteract anorexia and dehydration.
Monitoring
- Observe clinical signs twice daily; expect improvement within 48 hours of effective therapy.
- Re‑evaluate with a repeat PCR after the treatment course to confirm clearance.
- Adjust dosage if weight changes significantly during recovery.
Environmental control
- Clean cages with a dilute bleach solution (1 % sodium hypochlorite) and rinse thoroughly.
- Replace bedding weekly; use low‑dust, absorbent material.
- Isolate affected individuals for the duration of treatment and for at least one week after symptom resolution to prevent transmission.
Prevention
- Quarantine new arrivals for a minimum of four weeks, testing for Mycoplasma spp. before integration.
- Implement strict hand‑washing and equipment disinfection protocols in multi‑cage facilities.
- Provide regular health checks to detect subclinical carriers early.
By adhering to a defined antibiotic protocol, ensuring adequate supportive care, and maintaining rigorous hygiene, mycoplasma disease in pet rats can be effectively resolved and recurrence minimized.