How do you treat subdermatitis in rats? - briefly
Administer a topical antiseptic (e.g., chlorhexidine or povidone‑iodine) after gentle cleaning of the lesion, and supplement with systemic antibiotics (such as enrofloxacin) if infection is suspected; maintain a dry, low‑humidity environment and monitor for healing.
How do you treat subdermatitis in rats? - in detail
Effective management of subdermal inflammation in laboratory rats requires a systematic approach that includes accurate diagnosis, environmental control, topical therapy, systemic medication, and ongoing monitoring.
Accurate diagnosis begins with visual inspection of the affected area, noting erythema, edema, ulceration, or discharge. Histopathology or bacterial culture may be performed when infection is suspected. Once the condition is confirmed, immediate steps focus on reducing irritation and preventing secondary infection.
Environmental control involves maintaining cage humidity below 60 %, providing clean bedding, and eliminating sources of friction or trauma. Temperature should be kept within the species‑specific comfort range (20–24 °C) to avoid stress‑induced exacerbation.
Topical treatments are applied directly to the lesion after gentle cleaning with sterile saline. Options include:
- 1 % hydrocortisone cream – reduces local inflammation.
- 0.5 % mupirocin ointment – targets Gram‑positive bacterial colonization.
- Aloe‑vera gel – provides soothing moisture and promotes epithelial regeneration.
When the lesion is extensive, deep, or unresponsive to topical agents, systemic therapy is indicated. Preferred regimens are:
- Prednisolone, 1–2 mg/kg orally once daily for 3–5 days, then tapering over a week.
- Enrofloxacin, 10 mg/kg subcutaneously every 12 hours for 7 days, if bacterial infection is confirmed or highly suspected.
- Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug (e.g., meloxicam, 0.2 mg/kg subcutaneously once daily) for analgesia and additional anti‑inflammatory effect.
Supportive care includes analgesia, fluid therapy if dehydration occurs, and nutritional supplementation with high‑protein feed to support tissue repair. Wound dressings may be used for large ulcers, employing non‑adhesive gauze soaked in sterile saline and secured with a loosely fitted bandage to avoid further trauma.
Monitoring protocols require daily assessment of lesion size, exudate, and animal behavior. Photographic documentation at consistent intervals aids objective evaluation. Treatment is considered successful when erythema diminishes, edema resolves, and re‑epithelialization progresses without signs of infection.
If the condition persists beyond 10 days despite the above measures, re‑evaluation of underlying causes—such as immunodeficiency, allergic reaction, or chronic parasitic infestation—is warranted, and referral to a veterinary specialist should be arranged.