How should I give a rat prednisolone tablets? - briefly
Administer the tablet by crushing it and mixing the appropriate dose into a small amount of soft food or a palatable treat, ensuring the rat consumes the entire portion. Verify the dose with a calibrated syringe and monitor the animal for proper intake and any adverse reactions.
How should I give a rat prednisolone tablets? - in detail
Administering prednisolone tablets to a laboratory or pet rat requires precise handling to ensure accurate dosing and minimize stress.
First, determine the prescribed dose. Veterinary guidelines typically recommend 0.5–2 mg of prednisolone per kilogram of body weight per day, divided into one or two administrations. Weigh the animal on a calibrated scale, calculate the exact milligram amount, and round to the nearest feasible tablet fraction.
If the tablet size exceeds the calculated dose, split the tablet using a clean, sharp blade or a tablet cutter. Grind the required portion into a fine powder with a sterile mortar and pestle. Mix the powder with a small volume of palatable carrier—such as a dab of softened food, a drop of vegetable oil, or a flavored aqueous solution—ensuring uniform distribution.
Deliver the mixture directly to the rat’s mouth using a calibrated oral syringe (0.1‑ml or 0.5‑ml) or a blunt-tipped gavage needle. Position the animal on a soft surface, gently restrain the neck, and insert the syringe tip or needle just behind the incisors, avoiding the trachea. Administer the prepared dose slowly to prevent aspiration.
After dosing, observe the rat for at least five minutes. Check for signs of choking, regurgitation, or distress. Return the animal to its cage, provide fresh water, and monitor daily for changes in appetite, weight, or behavior. Record the dose, time, and any adverse reactions in a log.
If multiple daily doses are required, repeat the preparation and administration steps at the prescribed intervals, maintaining consistent timing to stabilize plasma drug levels. Store any remaining tablets in a labeled, airtight container at room temperature, away from light and moisture, following the manufacturer’s stability recommendations.