How to treat respiratory disease in rats? - briefly
Use targeted antibiotics—e.g., enrofloxacin or doxycycline—based on culture results, combined with supportive measures such as humidified oxygen, bronchodilators, and strict cage hygiene to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence.
How to treat respiratory disease in rats? - in detail
Respiratory disorders in laboratory rats commonly stem from bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic agents, as well as from environmental irritants. Typical manifestations include nasal discharge, sneezing, labored breathing, and reduced activity. Accurate diagnosis relies on clinical observation, radiographic imaging, and microbiological sampling of nasal swabs or lung tissue.
Treatment begins with isolation of affected animals and optimization of housing conditions: temperature 20‑22 °C, relative humidity 40‑60 %, and adequate ventilation to reduce aerosol accumulation. Bedding should be low‑dust and free of mold.
Pharmacologic management follows pathogen identification:
- Bacterial infections – administer appropriate antibiotics based on culture sensitivity; commonly used agents include enrofloxacin (10 mg/kg, subcutaneously, once daily) or doxycycline (5 mg/kg, oral, twice daily). Duration typically 7‑10 days.
- Viral illnesses – supportive care only; antiviral agents are rarely effective in rats. Maintain fluid balance and provide supplemental oxygen if hypoxia is evident.
- Fungal infections – treat with itraconazole (10 mg/kg, oral, once daily) or amphotericin B (0.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, every other day) after confirming fungal etiology.
- Parasitic causes – administer ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg, subcutaneously, single dose) or fenbendazole (50 mg/kg, oral, daily for 5 days) depending on the parasite identified.
Adjunctive measures improve outcomes:
- Nebulization with sterile saline or a dilute bronchodilator (e.g., albuterol 0.5 mg/mL) for 5‑10 minutes, twice daily, to loosen mucus.
- Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (e.g., meloxicam 0.2 mg/kg, oral, once daily) to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
- Fluid therapy (warm lactated Ringer’s solution, 10 mL/kg, subcutaneously) to prevent dehydration.
Monitoring includes daily assessment of respiratory rate, weight, and behavior. Repeat cultures after the treatment course confirm eradication. If clinical signs persist, re‑evaluate for secondary infections or non‑infectious causes such as allergic reactions or neoplasia.
Preventive strategies focus on strict biosecurity, routine health surveillance, and environmental control to minimize exposure to pathogens and irritants.