How to treat cystitis in rats? - briefly
Treat bacterial bladder inflammation in rats with a weight‑adjusted antibiotic regimen (e.g., enrofloxacin or trimethoprim‑sulfamethoxazole) given orally or subcutaneously, coupled with analgesics and increased hydration; monitor urine sterility and clinical signs to confirm recovery.
How to treat cystitis in rats? - in detail
Effective management of bladder inflammation in laboratory rats requires a systematic approach that includes accurate diagnosis, targeted antimicrobial therapy, supportive measures, and preventive strategies.
First, confirm the condition by collecting urine samples for culture and sensitivity testing. Perform cystoscopic examination or histopathological analysis if necessary to assess severity and rule out alternative causes such as urinary calculi or neoplasia.
Second, select an antibiotic based on the identified pathogen and its susceptibility profile. Commonly used agents include:
- Enrofloxacin, 10 mg/kg, subcutaneously, once daily for 5–7 days.
- Trimethoprim‑sulfamethoxazole, 30 mg/kg, orally, divided into two doses for 7 days.
- Gentamicin, 5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, once daily for 3–5 days (reserve for Gram‑negative infections resistant to other drugs).
Adjust dosage according to the animal’s weight, renal function, and observed clinical response. Monitor for adverse effects such as ototoxicity (gentamicin) or gastrointestinal disturbance (trimethoprim‑sulfamethoxazole).
Third, provide supportive care to alleviate discomfort and promote healing:
- Ensure free access to fresh, warmed water to encourage diuresis.
- Offer a low‑protein, low‑salt diet to reduce urinary irritants.
- Administer non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (e.g., meloxicam, 0.2 mg/kg, subcutaneously, every 24 h) for pain control, limiting use to a maximum of three days to avoid renal toxicity.
- Maintain a clean cage environment to prevent reinfection.
Fourth, implement preventive measures for future studies:
- Conduct routine urine screening in colony health monitoring programs.
- Use sterile techniques when handling catheters or urinary collection devices.
- Provide bedding material that minimizes moisture retention.
- Rotate antibiotic prophylaxis only when culture data indicate a high risk of recurrence.
Finally, document all interventions, clinical observations, and laboratory results. Regularly reassess urinary output, hematuria, and behavior to gauge treatment efficacy. If symptoms persist after the initial course, repeat culture and consider extending therapy or switching to a different antimicrobial class.