How to treat a chilled rat? - briefly
Place the rat in a warm, insulated area, gently dry any damp fur, and provide a low‑temperature heating pad while continuously monitoring its body temperature and behavior. Seek veterinary assistance immediately if signs of hypothermia persist, such as lethargy, tremors, or loss of coordination.
How to treat a chilled rat? - in detail
A hypothermic rodent requires immediate assessment of body temperature, environment, and underlying cause. Measure rectal temperature with a calibrated thermometer; values below 35 °C indicate severe cooling. If the animal is unconscious or shows tremors, begin rewarming without delay.
- Place the rat in a clean, dry enclosure insulated with soft towels.
- Apply a low‑intensity heat source (e.g., a heating pad set to 30 °C) beneath the bedding; avoid direct contact to prevent burns.
- Supplement ambient temperature with a warm, humidified chamber (30–32 °C, 50 % humidity) for 30–60 minutes, monitoring temperature every 5 minutes.
- Provide warmed, easily digestible food (e.g., glucose‑enriched gel) and water at 38 °C to support metabolic recovery.
- Administer subcutaneous warm saline (37 °C) if dehydration is suspected; volume should not exceed 10 ml/kg.
Observe respiratory rate, heart rhythm, and reflexes throughout the process. If temperature fails to rise above 35 °C after 2 hours, or if signs of shock, seizures, or persistent lethargy appear, seek veterinary intervention immediately. Veterinary care may include intravenous fluids, antibiotics for secondary infections, and advanced warming techniques such as a forced‑air warming system.
Preventive measures include maintaining cage temperature above 20 °C, providing nesting material, and avoiding drafts. Regular health checks reduce the risk of hypothermia in laboratory or pet rats.