What is given to rats for respiratory diseases? - briefly
Rats with respiratory ailments are typically treated with broad‑spectrum antibiotics such as enrofloxacin or doxycycline, often supplemented by supportive care like nebulized saline or corticosteroids. These interventions target the underlying infection and alleviate airway inflammation.
What is given to rats for respiratory diseases? - in detail
Rats with pulmonary disorders receive pharmacological agents that target infection, inflammation, airway constriction, and mucus accumulation. Common categories include:
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Antibiotics – broad‑spectrum drugs such as enrofloxacin, amoxicillin‑clavulanate, and doxycycline are administered intraperitoneally or orally to eradicate bacterial pathogens. Dosages range from 10 mg kg⁻¹ to 30 mg kg⁻¹ daily, adjusted for the specific organism and severity of infection.
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Bronchodilators – β₂‑agonists (e.g., albuterol, terbutaline) and muscarinic antagonists (e.g., ipratropium) are delivered via nebulization or intratracheal instillation to relax smooth muscle and improve airflow. Typical nebulized concentrations are 0.5–2 mg mL⁻¹, applied for 5–10 minutes per session.
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Anti‑inflammatory agents – corticosteroids such as dexamethasone or prednisolone reduce alveolar inflammation. Administration routes include subcutaneous injection (0.5–2 mg kg⁻¹) or oral gavage (1–5 mg kg⁻¹). Non‑steroidal options like meloxicam are also used for their analgesic and anti‑inflammatory properties.
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Mucolytics and expectorants – agents like N‑acetylcysteine (150–300 mg kg⁻¹ orally) or carbocisteine facilitate clearance of secretions. They are given once or twice daily, depending on mucus production.
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Supportive therapies – supplemental oxygen (1–2 L min⁻¹ via a cage‑mounted system) and nebulized saline (0.9 % NaCl) maintain humidified airway conditions. Fluid therapy with isotonic solutions (e.g., lactated Ringer’s, 10 mL kg⁻¹) prevents dehydration and supports circulation.
Experimental protocols often combine these agents to mimic clinical regimens. For example, a bacterial pneumonia model may involve a 5‑day course of enrofloxacin (15 mg kg⁻¹ i.p.) together with daily albuterol nebulization (1 mg mL⁻¹) and a single dexamethasone injection (1 mg kg⁻¹) on day three to control inflammation. Monitoring includes respiratory rate, pulse oximetry, and histopathological assessment of lung tissue to evaluate therapeutic efficacy.