How to treat a rat for Mycoplasma infection? - briefly
Treat the rodent with a veterinary‑prescribed antibiotic regimen—commonly doxycycline or enrofloxacin at the species‑specific dosage—and provide supportive care (hydration, nutrition, and environmental hygiene) to facilitate recovery.
How to treat a rat for Mycoplasma infection? - in detail
Mycoplasma infection in rats requires prompt diagnosis, targeted antimicrobial therapy, and supportive management to reduce morbidity and prevent spread.
First, confirm the presence of Mycoplasma spp. through culture, PCR, or serology. Collect respiratory swabs, lung tissue, or blood under aseptic conditions. Positive results guide drug selection; susceptibility testing, when available, refines dosage.
Antibiotic regimen
- Enrofloxacin: 10 mg/kg subcutaneously or orally once daily for 7–10 days. Effective against many Mycoplasma species, penetrates respiratory tissues.
- Tylosin tartrate: 50 mg/kg orally twice daily for 5–7 days. Useful for strains resistant to fluoroquinolones.
- Doxycycline: 5 mg/kg orally twice daily for 7 days. Alternative for tetracycline‑sensitive isolates.
Choose a single agent based on susceptibility; avoid concurrent use of multiple antibiotics unless culture indicates mixed infection. Adjust dose for juvenile or pregnant animals according to veterinary pharmacology guidelines.
Supportive care
- Provide warm, humidified environment to ease breathing.
- Offer high‑calorie, easily digestible feed and hydrogel to maintain weight.
- Administer isotonic fluids (20 ml/kg subcutaneously) if dehydration is evident.
- Monitor body temperature, weight, respiratory rate, and clinical signs twice daily.
Isolation and hygiene
- House infected individuals in a dedicated ventilated cage with HEPA filtration.
- Change bedding daily; disinfect surfaces with 0.1 % sodium hypochlorite or 70 % ethanol.
- Use dedicated equipment (forceps, syringes) for each cage; sterilize between uses.
Post‑treatment evaluation
- Repeat PCR or culture 3–5 days after completion of therapy to verify clearance.
- Observe for relapse for at least two weeks; re‑treat if clinical signs recur.
- Conduct necropsy on any mortalities to assess pathology and confirm eradication.
Preventive measures
- Implement strict barrier protocols for incoming colonies.
- Screen breeding stock regularly with PCR.
- Maintain optimal ventilation, low stocking density, and regular health monitoring.
Adhering to this protocol maximizes recovery, minimizes transmission, and supports the overall health of the rodent colony.