How to treat a rat's eye? - briefly
Apply sterile saline to clear debris, then administer a veterinarian‑prescribed ophthalmic antibiotic or anti‑inflammatory eye drop; observe the rat for improvement and consult a professional if inflammation or discharge continues.
How to treat a rat's eye? - in detail
Rats frequently develop ocular problems such as conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, or foreign‑body injuries. Early identification relies on observing excessive tearing, swelling, redness, or changes in pupil size. Prompt visual inspection with a bright light and gentle eyelid retraction helps determine the extent of damage.
Immediate care includes cleaning the affected eye with sterile saline or a balanced salt solution. Apply the solution using a sterile gauze pad, avoiding direct pressure on the globe. After cleaning, assess whether the lesion is superficial or penetrates deeper layers.
Diagnostic evaluation may involve:
- Slit‑lamp examination to evaluate corneal integrity.
- Fluorescein staining to highlight ulceration.
- Cytologic smear or culture if bacterial infection is suspected.
- Assessment of intra‑ocular pressure when glaucoma is a concern.
Therapeutic measures depend on the diagnosis:
- For mild inflammation, apply a thin layer of a sterile ophthalmic ointment such as «tetracycline ophthalmic ointment» two to three times daily.
- Bacterial conjunctivitis or ulceration requires topical antibiotic eye drops (e.g., «enrofloxacin») administered every 4–6 hours for 7–10 days.
- Pain and swelling are managed with a non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug (e.g., meloxicam) at the recommended dose for rodents, given orally or subcutaneously.
- Severe corneal ulcers may need a protective contact lens and systemic antibiotics to prevent secondary infection.
- In cases of foreign bodies, gently remove the object with fine forceps under magnification; if removal is difficult, seek veterinary surgical intervention.
Supportive care includes maintaining a clean cage environment, providing a diet rich in vitamin A, and ensuring adequate humidity to prevent desiccation of the ocular surface. Regular monitoring of the eye during treatment is essential; any worsening of signs warrants immediate veterinary reassessment.