How to treat pneumonia in rats? - briefly
Administer an appropriate antibiotic (e.g., enrofloxacin, doxycycline) according to culture results, alongside supportive measures such as fluid therapy, oxygen supplementation, and analgesia; dosage should be weight‑adjusted. Monitor clinical signs daily and modify treatment as needed.
How to treat pneumonia in rats? - in detail
Effective management of pulmonary infection in laboratory rats requires systematic assessment, targeted antimicrobial therapy, and supportive measures.
First, confirm the diagnosis by clinical observation (labored breathing, nasal discharge, reduced activity) and by radiographic or histopathological evaluation when feasible. Collect bronchoalveolar lavage or lung tissue samples for bacterial culture and sensitivity testing; this guides selection of the most appropriate drug and dose.
Antibiotic selection should be based on the identified pathogen and its susceptibility profile. Commonly effective agents include:
- Enrofloxacin 10 mg/kg subcutaneously or intraperitoneally once daily for 5–7 days.
- Doxycycline 5 mg/kg orally or via gavage twice daily for 7 days, useful against atypical organisms.
- Amoxicillin‑clavulanic acid 30 mg/kg orally twice daily for 5–10 days, suitable for Gram‑positive and some Gram‑negative bacteria.
When culture data are unavailable, empirical therapy may begin with a broad‑spectrum fluoroquinolone (e.g., enrofloxacin) pending results. Adjust the regimen promptly once sensitivities are known.
Supportive care includes:
- Maintaining ambient temperature at 22–24 °C to reduce metabolic stress.
- Providing supplemental oxygen through a small‑cage mask or chamber if hypoxemia is evident.
- Ensuring adequate hydration with subcutaneous sterile saline (10 ml/kg) every 12 hours until the animal resumes normal drinking.
- Administering analgesics such as meloxicam 1 mg/kg subcutaneously every 24 hours to alleviate discomfort.
Monitoring parameters should be recorded twice daily: respiratory rate, body weight, temperature, and activity level. Decline in any of these metrics warrants reassessment of therapy and consideration of humane euthanasia according to institutional guidelines.
Preventive strategies reduce recurrence: implement strict aseptic techniques during handling, sterilize bedding and cages, and limit exposure to respiratory irritants. Regular health surveillance of colony animals helps identify subclinical infections early.
In summary, treat rodent pneumonia by confirming etiology, applying pathogen‑specific antibiotics at validated doses, providing oxygen and fluid support, and closely tracking clinical signs to adjust treatment promptly.