How to treat subdermatitis in rats?

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How to treat subdermatitis in rats? - briefly
Administer a topical corticosteroid or NSAID ointment together with an antiseptic to control inflammation and prevent infection, while maintaining a clean, dry, and irritant‑free environment. If bacterial involvement is confirmed, add systemic antibiotics and monitor the rat for signs of recovery.

How to treat subdermatitis in rats? - in detail
Effective management of rat subdermal inflammation requires accurate diagnosis, identification of underlying causes, and a structured therapeutic plan. Initial assessment should include visual inspection of affected skin, palpation for edema, and collection of skin scrapings or biopsies to rule out bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection. Laboratory analysis of blood for leukocyte count and serum chemistry may reveal systemic involvement.
Therapeutic interventions

Topical agents

Antiseptic ointments containing chlorhexidine or povidone‑iodine applied twice daily reduce microbial load.
Anti‑inflammatory creams with 0.1 % hydrocortisone alleviate local swelling; limit use to 7 days to avoid skin thinning.
Moisturizing lanolin or petroleum‑based gels maintain barrier integrity and prevent desiccation.

Systemic medication

Oral enrofloxacin 10 mg/kg once daily for 7–10 days addresses Gram‑negative bacterial infection.
Fluconazole 10 mg/kg once daily for 5 days treats confirmed fungal involvement.
Dexamethasone 0.2 mg/kg intraperitoneally every 48 hours for severe inflammation; taper dosage after clinical improvement.

Environmental control

Clean cage bedding daily; replace with low‑dust, absorbent material.
Maintain ambient temperature between 20–24 °C and relative humidity at 50–60 %.
Provide nesting material to reduce skin irritation from scratching.

Supportive care

Ensure adequate hydration with fresh water and, if necessary, subcutaneous saline (10 ml/kg).
Offer high‑protein, vitamin‑rich diet to promote tissue repair.
Monitor weight and behavior daily; record lesion size and severity to evaluate response.

Follow‑up protocol
Re‑examine the animal after 48 hours of treatment. If lesions persist or worsen, adjust antimicrobial spectrum based on culture results, increase anti‑inflammatory dosage, or consider referral to a veterinary dermatologist. Complete the prescribed course of medication to prevent recurrence. Documentation of treatment outcomes contributes to evidence‑based refinement of management strategies for this condition.