How does a rat behave with pneumonia? - briefly
A rat suffering from pneumonia displays lethargy, shallow or rapid breathing, and a marked loss of appetite; fever and weight loss often accompany these signs. It also reduces grooming and social interaction, preferring to remain still in a secluded area.
How does a rat behave with pneumonia? - in detail
Rats infected with a pulmonary bacterial or viral pathogen display a distinct set of behavioral and physiological alterations that reflect the progression of the respiratory illness.
In the early stage, the animal’s locomotor activity declines markedly; normal exploratory movements in the open field are replaced by brief, hesitant trips to the cage corner. Spontaneous wheel running, if available, drops to less than 20 % of baseline within 24 hours after symptom onset.
Respiratory patterns become irregular. Breathing frequency rises to 150–200 breaths min⁻¹, accompanied by shallow tidal volumes and audible wheezes during expiration. The animal adopts a hunched posture, with thoracic muscles visibly contracting to aid ventilation.
Thermoregulation is disrupted. Core temperature measured rectally falls 1–2 °C below normal, while peripheral skin temperature may increase due to vasodilation. The rat frequently seeks the warm corner of the cage, indicating a drive to conserve heat.
Feeding and drinking behavior deteriorates rapidly. Food intake falls to 30–40 % of usual levels, and water consumption is similarly reduced. Weight loss of 5–10 % of body mass occurs within three days of infection.
Grooming activity diminishes. The animal spends less time on self‑cleaning, resulting in a roughened coat and accumulation of debris.
Social interactions are suppressed. In group housing, the afflicted rat isolates itself, avoiding contact with cage mates and showing reduced aggression or submissive displays.
Immune response manifests as lethargy and reduced responsiveness to external stimuli. When presented with a novel object, the rat exhibits delayed approach latency and decreased investigation time.
Overall, the combination of decreased mobility, altered respiration, impaired thermoregulation, reduced nutrient intake, diminished grooming, and social withdrawal provides a comprehensive profile of rat behavior under pneumonia conditions.