How is an allergy in a rat treated? - briefly
Allergic reactions in rats are managed by administering antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) and corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone) while eliminating the triggering antigen and providing supportive care.
How is an allergy in a rat treated? - in detail
Allergic responses in laboratory rats are addressed through a combination of pharmacological, environmental, and supportive interventions. The primary objectives are to alleviate clinical signs, prevent progression, and maintain experimental integrity.
Pharmacological control relies on antihistamines, corticosteroids, and leukotriene antagonists. Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (10‑20 mg/kg, subcutaneous) or cetirizine (5 mg/kg, oral) block histamine receptors and reduce pruritus, erythema, and bronchoconstriction. Corticosteroids, for example dexamethasone (0.5‑1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), suppress cytokine production and mitigate severe inflammation. Leukotriene pathway inhibitors like montelukast (10 mg/kg, oral) are employed when bronchial hyperreactivity dominates.
Environmental measures limit exposure to the offending allergen. Strategies include:
- Replacing bedding material with low‑dust, hypoallergenic alternatives.
- Filtering air through HEPA units to remove particulate allergens.
- Using barrier cages and personal protective equipment to prevent cross‑contamination.
Supportive care maintains physiological stability. Fluid therapy (e.g., lactated Ringer’s, 10 ml/kg subcutaneously) corrects dehydration caused by vomiting or diarrhea. Nutritional supplementation with high‑energy formulas compensates for reduced intake. Analgesics such as buprenorphine (0.05 mg/kg, subcutaneous) manage pain associated with skin lesions.
Monitoring protocols involve daily scoring of clinical signs (scratching, respiratory rate, skin lesions) and periodic measurement of serum IgE or specific allergen‑binding antibodies. Adjustments to drug dosages are made based on response and side‑effect profile.
When standard therapy fails, immunomodulatory agents (e.g., cyclosporine, 10 mg/kg, oral) or desensitization protocols involving gradual exposure to the allergen may be considered under veterinary supervision.
All interventions should be documented in the animal’s health record, and any experimental data obtained thereafter must account for the influence of the treatment regimen.