What is Unidox used for in rats? - briefly
Unidox is an oral doxycycline preparation used to treat bacterial infections in rats, especially Mycoplasma‑related respiratory diseases. It is administered in the feed or water at doses calibrated to achieve therapeutic plasma concentrations without toxicity.
What is Unidox used for in rats? - in detail
Unidox is a veterinary formulation of oxytetracycline, a broad‑spectrum tetracycline antibiotic. In laboratory rodents it is employed to treat bacterial infections that respond to tetracycline therapy. The drug acts by inhibiting protein synthesis in susceptible microorganisms, thereby halting bacterial growth.
Typical applications include:
- Respiratory tract infections caused by Mycoplasma spp. and Pasteurella spp.
- Gastrointestinal infections with Salmonella or Clostridium species.
- Systemic infections such as septicemia when bacterial isolation confirms susceptibility.
- Prophylactic use in breeding colonies to reduce the incidence of opportunistic infections during stressful procedures (e.g., surgery, transport).
Administration is intraperitoneal or subcutaneous injection. Recommended dosage for adult rats ranges from 10 to 20 mg kg⁻¹ body weight, given once daily for 5–7 days. For juveniles, the dose is adjusted proportionally to body weight, with careful monitoring for signs of toxicity.
Pharmacokinetic characteristics relevant to rodent use:
- Peak plasma concentrations occur within 30–60 minutes post‑injection.
- Half‑life in rats is approximately 4–6 hours, supporting once‑daily dosing.
- Distribution includes high concentrations in lung, liver, and kidney tissue, facilitating treatment of infections in these organs.
Safety considerations:
- Observe for gastrointestinal upset, reduced appetite, or discoloration of urine (yellow–green).
- Avoid use in pregnant females unless benefits outweigh risks, as tetracyclines can affect fetal bone development.
- Monitor liver enzymes in long‑term therapy; hepatotoxicity is rare but possible at high doses.
Resistance management:
- Perform bacterial culture and sensitivity testing before initiating therapy.
- Limit treatment duration to the minimum effective period to reduce selective pressure.
- Rotate with alternative antimicrobial classes when recurrent infections occur.
In research settings, Unidox provides a reliable option for controlling bacterial disease outbreaks in rat colonies, ensuring experimental integrity and animal welfare.