How is pneumonia treated in rats? - briefly
Antibiotics such as enrofloxacin, ampicillin, or doxycycline are given by injection or oral gavage to eradicate the bacterial infection. Supportive measures—including subcutaneous fluids, analgesia, and supplemental oxygen—are provided to maintain hydration, reduce pain, and improve respiratory function.
How is pneumonia treated in rats? - in detail
Treatment of pneumonic infection in laboratory rats relies on antimicrobial therapy, supportive measures, and careful monitoring.
Antibiotic selection is based on the likely pathogen and susceptibility data. Common choices include:
- Macrolides (e.g., azithromycin, 10 mg/kg, subcutaneous, once daily) for atypical bacteria.
- Fluoroquinolones (e.g., enrofloxacin, 5 mg/kg, oral gavage, twice daily) effective against Gram‑negative organisms.
- β‑lactams (e.g., ampicillin‑sulbactam, 30 mg/kg, intraperitoneal, every 12 h) for broad‑spectrum coverage.
Doses are calculated per kilogram body weight, adjusted for age and renal function. Administration routes are chosen to ensure reliable absorption and minimize stress; subcutaneous and intraperitoneal injections are preferred for rapid onset, while oral gavage is used for prolonged regimens.
Adjunctive care includes:
- Fluid therapy: isotonic saline, 10 mL/kg/day, subcutaneously, to prevent dehydration.
- Analgesia: buprenorphine, 0.05 mg/kg, subcutaneously, every 12 h, to reduce pain and improve respiration.
- Temperature support: heated cages or warming pads to maintain normothermia, as hypothermia worsens pulmonary function.
Respiratory monitoring employs plethysmography or pulse oximetry to track oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and tidal volume. Criteria for therapeutic adjustment include persistent hypoxia (SpO₂ < 90 %), rising body temperature, and lack of clinical improvement after 48 h.
If bacterial culture identifies resistant strains, therapy is modified according to susceptibility profiles, often involving combination regimens (e.g., a β‑lactam plus a fluoroquinolone).
In severe cases, corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone, 0.2 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, once daily) may be administered to dampen inflammatory lung injury, but only after weighing the risk of immunosuppression.
Endpoints for successful treatment are resolution of clinical signs, normalization of respiratory parameters, and negative microbial cultures. Post‑treatment observation continues for at least one week to detect relapse.