How to treat a rat after a stroke? - briefly
Provide immediate supportive care, including hydration, temperature regulation, and administration of approved neuroprotective agents such as NMDA antagonists. Continue with regular neurological assessments and gentle physiotherapy to encourage functional recovery.
How to treat a rat after a stroke? - in detail
After a cerebral ischemic episode in a laboratory rat, the first priority is to stabilize vital functions. Place the animal in a warmed recovery chamber (30 °C) and monitor respiration, heart rate, and body temperature every 5 minutes for the initial hour. If breathing is irregular, provide supplemental oxygen through a nose cone at 1 L/min. Administer a subcutaneous bolus of sterile saline (10 mL/kg) to counteract potential hypovolemia.
Pain and inflammation must be controlled promptly. Inject buprenorphine (0.05 mg/kg, subcutaneously) every 12 hours for up to 72 hours, adjusting the dose based on observed discomfort. For edema, a low‑dose dexamethasone regimen (0.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) can be given once daily for 2–3 days, avoiding prolonged exposure to prevent immunosuppression.
Neurological status requires systematic assessment. Use a standardized scoring system (e.g., Bederson or Garcia scale) at 1, 6, 24, and 48 hours post‑event, documenting limb weakness, forelimb flexion, and circling behavior. Record any improvement or deterioration to guide therapeutic adjustments.
Nutritional support enhances recovery. Offer a soft, high‑calorie diet (e.g., mashed pellets supplemented with 5 % glucose) within the first 12 hours. Ensure ad libitum access to water; if the animal cannot drink, provide sterile lactated Ringer’s solution via a small‑volume oral gavage (0.5 mL) every 4 hours.
Physical rehabilitation promotes neuroplasticity. Begin passive range‑of‑motion exercises for the affected limbs twice daily, holding each joint for 10–15 seconds. Introduce a modest treadmill protocol (5 m/min, 5‑minute bouts) after the first 24 hours, increasing duration by 2 minutes each day as tolerance improves.
Pharmacological neuroprotection may be considered. Administer a single dose of citicoline (250 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) within 30 minutes of the insult, followed by daily doses for 5 days. Monitor for adverse effects such as gastrointestinal distress.
Environmental enrichment supports cognitive recovery. Provide nesting material, a shelter, and a rotating set of objects (e.g., plastic tubes, chew blocks) to stimulate exploration. Keep the cage in a low‑stress area, minimizing loud noises and sudden light changes.
Euthanasia criteria must be predefined. If the rat exhibits persistent seizures, severe weight loss (>20 % of baseline), or unrelieved pain despite analgesia, humane termination should be performed according to institutional protocols.
Regular documentation of all interventions, observations, and outcomes is essential for reproducibility and ethical compliance.