How to treat pneumonia in a rat? - briefly
Administer an appropriate antibiotic (e.g., enrofloxacin, doxycycline) selected according to likely pathogen susceptibility, alongside supportive care such as fluid therapy, oxygen supplementation, and temperature regulation. Monitor clinical signs and modify therapy based on response and microbiological results.
How to treat pneumonia in a rat? - in detail
Treating bacterial lung infection in laboratory rats requires a systematic approach that includes confirmation of disease, supportive measures, targeted antimicrobial therapy, and careful monitoring.
First, confirm pneumonia through clinical observation (tachypnea, labored breathing, reduced activity) and diagnostic tools such as thoracic radiography, bronchoalveolar lavage, or post‑mortem histopathology. Identify the causative pathogen by culturing lung tissue or lavage fluid; common agents include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Supportive care focuses on maintaining oxygenation and hydration. Place affected animals in a temperature‑controlled environment (22–25 °C) with supplemental oxygen (1–2 L/min) delivered via a cage‑mounted flow meter or a small‑animal mask. Administer isotonic saline (10 ml/kg subcutaneously) twice daily to prevent dehydration. Provide nutritionally balanced gel or palatable food to encourage intake.
Antimicrobial selection should be guided by culture results and susceptibility testing. Empirical regimens commonly employed include:
- Enrofloxacin 15 mg/kg, subcutaneously, once daily for 5–7 days (effective against Gram‑negative organisms).
- Ampicillin 100 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, twice daily for 7 days (covers Gram‑positive cocci).
- Doxycycline 5 mg/kg, orally via gavage, once daily for 5 days (broad‑spectrum, intracellular pathogens).
Adjust dosage according to strain, weight, and renal/hepatic function. For severe cases, combine a β‑lactam with a fluoroquinolone to ensure synergistic coverage. Discontinue therapy only after clinical resolution and at least two consecutive negative cultures.
Adjunctive treatments may include anti‑inflammatory agents such as meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg, subcutaneously, every 24 h) to reduce pulmonary edema, and mucolytics like N‑acetylcysteine (100 mg/kg, orally) to facilitate clearance of secretions.
Monitoring parameters include respiratory rate, body temperature, weight, and blood gas analysis where feasible. Record daily observations; any deterioration (e.g., hypoxia, weight loss >10 %) warrants escalation of care or humane euthanasia in accordance with institutional animal welfare protocols.
Finally, implement biosecurity measures: isolate infected cages, disinfect surfaces with 10 % bleach, and employ personal protective equipment to prevent cross‑contamination. Documentation of all interventions ensures reproducibility and compliance with ethical standards.