How to treat mycoplasmosis in a pet rat? - briefly
Effective therapy for a rat with mycoplasma infection involves a veterinarian‑prescribed antibiotic such as doxycycline or enrofloxacin, administered according to weight and duration guidelines. Supportive measures include maintaining a warm, stress‑free environment, ensuring adequate hydration and nutrition, and isolating the affected animal to prevent spread.
How to treat mycoplasmosis in a pet rat? - in detail
Mycoplasma infection in rats commonly presents with respiratory distress, nasal discharge, sneezing, and reduced activity. Weight loss and dehydration may accompany advanced disease. Early recognition improves therapeutic success.
Diagnostic confirmation requires a combination of clinical assessment and laboratory testing. Nasal or oropharyngeal swabs should be submitted for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or culture on specialized media. Radiographic examination can reveal interstitial lung patterns indicative of pneumonia. Hematology often shows mild leukocytosis.
Therapeutic protocol focuses on antimicrobial therapy and supportive measures. Recommended antibiotics, selected for activity against Mycoplasma spp. and favorable pharmacokinetics in rodents, include:
- Enrofloxacin, 10 mg/kg subcutaneously or orally once daily for 7–10 days.
- Doxycycline, 5 mg/kg orally every 12 hours for 10–14 days.
- Azithromycin, 10 mg/kg orally once daily for 5 days (alternative when fluoroquinolones are contraindicated).
Supportive care consists of fluid therapy to correct dehydration, supplemental oxygen for severe respiratory compromise, and nutritional assistance such as high‑calorie gel diets. Antipyretics are unnecessary unless fever exceeds normal rodent range.
Monitoring involves daily evaluation of respiratory rate, nasal secretions, body weight, and appetite. Repeat PCR testing after completion of antimicrobial course confirms eradication. If clinical signs persist, extend antibiotic duration or consider combination therapy based on susceptibility results.
Prevention relies on strict biosecurity. Quarantine new arrivals for a minimum of four weeks, conduct regular health screenings, and maintain optimal cage ventilation. Avoid overcrowding and minimize stressors, as immunosuppression predisposes to infection. Regular cleaning with rodent‑safe disinfectants reduces environmental contamination.