How to give enrofloxacin to rats? - briefly
Administer enrofloxacin orally with a calibrated gavage needle at 10 mg/kg once daily, or subcutaneously at 5 mg/kg as directed by veterinary protocol. Use a sterile solution, calculate dose from precise body weight, and observe the animal for any adverse effects.
How to give enrofloxacin to rats? - in detail
Administering enrofloxacin to laboratory rats requires precise preparation, accurate dosing, and careful observation. The antibiotic is supplied as a powder for solution or as a sterile injectable formulation; the chosen form dictates the preparation steps.
The standard oral route involves dissolving the powder in sterile water or saline to achieve a concentration that allows dosing at 10 mg kg⁻¹ body weight per day. Calculate the required volume for each animal by multiplying the target dose by the rat’s weight and dividing by the solution concentration. For example, a 250‑g rat receiving a 10 mg kg⁻¹ dose needs 2.5 mg of enrofloxacin, which corresponds to 0.25 ml of a 10 mg ml⁻¹ solution.
If the injectable form is preferred, intraperitoneal (IP) injection provides rapid systemic absorption. Dilute the concentrate to a final concentration of 5 mg ml⁻¹, then administer 0.5 ml per 250 g rat to deliver the same 10 mg kg⁻¹ dose. Use a sterile 1‑ml syringe with a 26‑gauge needle; insert the needle at a 30‑degree angle into the lower right quadrant of the abdomen, avoiding major organs.
Key procedural steps:
- Weigh each rat individually; record the exact mass.
- Prepare the dosing solution fresh each day; discard any unused portion after 24 hours.
- Use aseptic technique throughout preparation and administration.
- Deliver the calculated volume slowly to prevent aspiration or tissue trauma.
- Observe the animal for at least 30 minutes post‑administration for signs of distress, such as reduced mobility, respiratory difficulty, or abnormal behavior.
- Document dose, route, and any adverse observations in the animal’s health record.
When multiple doses are required, maintain consistent timing (e.g., every 24 hours) to sustain therapeutic plasma levels. Adjust the dose if the rat’s weight changes significantly during the treatment period. Ensure that all personnel handling the drug wear appropriate protective equipment, including gloves and lab coat, and that waste is disposed of according to institutional biosafety protocols.