How should Baytril be given to a rat? - briefly
Enrofloxacin is administered to a rat by oral gavage at 10 mg kg⁻¹ once daily, using a calibrated syringe and a suitable feeding needle. If oral dosing is not feasible, a subcutaneous injection of 5 mg kg⁻¹ can be employed.
How should Baytril be given to a rat? - in detail
Baytril (enrofloxacin) is administered to a rat by oral gavage or subcutaneous injection, depending on the study protocol and the condition being treated. The drug must be prepared in a sterile, isotonic solution before use.
The recommended dose range for adult rats is 5–10 mg kg⁻¹ body weight per day. Calculate the exact amount by measuring the animal’s weight to the nearest gram, then multiply by the chosen dosage (e.g., a 250 g rat receiving 7.5 mg kg⁻¹ requires 1.875 mg of active ingredient). Adjust the volume of the carrier fluid so that the final concentration allows delivery of the calculated dose within 0.2–0.5 mL to avoid gastric distension.
Oral gavage procedure
- Warm the prepared solution to room temperature.
- Load a calibrated gavage needle (20‑22 G, 1‑2 mL capacity) with the calculated volume.
- Restrain the rat gently, tilt the head upward, and insert the needle along the esophageal axis.
- Deliver the dose slowly, then withdraw the needle and observe the animal for 1–2 minutes for signs of aspiration.
Subcutaneous injection procedure
- Dilute Baytril in sterile saline or sterile water to a concentration of 1–2 mg mL⁻¹.
- Use a 25‑27 G needle, inject into the loose skin over the dorsal thoracic region.
- Ensure the injection site is free of hair and disinfected with alcohol.
- Observe the rat for at least 5 minutes for local irritation or systemic reactions.
Key safety considerations
- Verify the expiration date and integrity of the vial before preparation.
- Use aseptic technique to prevent contamination.
- Record the exact dose, administration route, and time for each animal.
- Monitor daily for reduced food intake, weight loss, or abnormal behavior; adjust dosage if adverse effects appear.
- Store any unused solution at 2–8 °C, discard after 24 hours.
When multiple daily doses are required, maintain a consistent interval (e.g., 12‑hour spacing) and use the same route throughout the treatment period to ensure steady plasma concentrations.