How should bronchitis be treated in a rat? - briefly
Treat with an appropriate antibiotic, such as enrofloxacin, to target the likely bacterial cause. Provide supportive care including humidified air, bronchodilators, and adequate fluid therapy.
How should bronchitis be treated in a rat? - in detail
Bronchial inflammation in laboratory rats typically results from bacterial infection, viral agents, or exposure to irritants. Diagnosis relies on clinical signs—rapid respiration, audible wheezing, nasal discharge—and confirmation by thoracic radiography or histopathology of lung tissue.
Supportive measures include environmental control, humidified airflow, and nutritional support. Housing should maintain temperature at 22 ± 2 °C, relative humidity at 50 ± 10 %, and provide low‑stress conditions. Fluid therapy (subcutaneous or intraperitoneal isotonic saline, 10 ml kg⁻¹ day⁻¹) prevents dehydration caused by increased respiratory effort.
Pharmacologic intervention focuses on antimicrobial agents, anti‑inflammatory drugs, and bronchodilators. Selection depends on suspected pathogen and severity:
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Antibiotics:
• Enrofloxacin, 10 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹, subcutaneously, for Gram‑negative coverage.
• Doxycycline, 5 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹, orally, for atypical bacteria.
• Amoxicillin‑clavulanate, 30 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹, orally, for mixed flora. -
Anti‑inflammatory agents:
• Meloxicam, 1 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹, subcutaneously, reduces pulmonary edema.
• Dexamethasone, 0.2 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹, intraperitoneally, for severe inflammation (short‑term use only). -
Bronchodilators:
• Albuterol inhalation, 0.1 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹, via nebulizer, relaxes airway smooth muscle.
• Ipratropium bromide, 0.05 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹, nebulized, decreases mucus secretion.
Adjunct therapy may involve mucolytic agents such as N‑acetylcysteine, 100 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹, administered orally to facilitate clearance of secretions.
Monitoring includes daily assessment of respiratory rate, body weight, and behavior. Repeat thoracic imaging after 48–72 hours evaluates response to treatment. If clinical improvement fails, culture and sensitivity testing guide antibiotic adjustment. End‑point criteria for recovery comprise normalized respiration, absence of wheezing, and stable body weight.