How to treat rhinitis in a rat? - briefly
Administer intranasal saline irrigation, a systemic antihistamine (e.g., diphenhydramine), and a short course of a glucocorticoid (e.g., prednisolone) to reduce inflammation, adding an appropriate antibiotic only if bacterial infection is confirmed, while keeping the animal in a humidified environment and ensuring adequate hydration.
How to treat rhinitis in a rat? - in detail
Effective management of nasal inflammation in laboratory rats involves accurate diagnosis, removal of precipitating factors, and targeted therapy. Initial assessment should include clinical observation for sneezing, nasal discharge, nasal rubbing, and respiratory rate changes, followed by nasal lavage or swab for cytology and microbial culture to identify bacterial, viral, or fungal agents. Imaging such as micro‑CT can confirm sinus involvement when required.
Environmental control reduces irritant exposure. Maintain humidity between 40–60 % and temperature at 20–24 °C. Replace bedding with low‑dust, non‑allergenic material, and filter cage air to eliminate airborne allergens and pathogens. Ensure ventilation rates meet the laboratory standard of ≥ 15 air changes per hour.
Pharmacologic interventions are selected based on etiologic findings:
- Antibiotics – Empiric broad‑spectrum agents (e.g., enrofloxacin 10 mg/kg subcutaneously once daily) are administered pending culture results; adjust to culture‑directed therapy within 48 h.
- Antifungals – For confirmed fungal infection, itraconazole 5 mg/kg orally once daily for 7–14 days is effective; monitor liver enzymes.
- Anti‑inflammatory agents – Dexamethasone 0.2 mg/kg intramuscularly once daily for up to three days reduces mucosal edema; taper to avoid adrenal suppression.
- Mucolytics – N‑acetylcysteine 50 mg/kg orally twice daily loosens thick secretions.
- Antihistamines – Cetirizine 5 mg/kg orally once daily mitigates allergic components.
Supportive care includes saline nasal drops (0.9 % NaCl, 2–3 µl per nostril) administered twice daily to maintain moisture, and forced‑air warming blankets for hypothermic animals. Analgesia with buprenorphine 0.05 mg/kg subcutaneously every 12 h alleviates discomfort from sinus pressure.
Monitoring protocol: record nasal discharge volume, weight, and respiratory rate daily; repeat culture after 5 days of therapy to confirm clearance. If symptoms persist beyond 7 days, re‑evaluate for secondary infection, resistant organisms, or structural abnormalities via endoscopic examination.
Finally, document all interventions in the animal’s health record, adhering to institutional animal care guidelines and ensuring that any experimental variables are accounted for in study design.