What should be done if a rat has mycoplasmosis? - briefly
Isolate the infected rat, obtain a veterinary diagnosis, and start a suitable antibiotic regimen such as tetracycline while maintaining strict hygiene and supportive care. Monitor the animal’s condition and adjust treatment under veterinary supervision.
What should be done if a rat has mycoplasmosis? - in detail
When a rodent shows signs of a Mycoplasma infection, immediate isolation is required to prevent spread to other animals. Place the affected individual in a separate cage with dedicated bedding, food, and water sources. Clean and disinfect the original enclosure using agents effective against Mycoplasma, such as bleach solutions (10 % sodium hypochlorite) or commercial disinfectants validated for bacterial decontamination.
Diagnostic confirmation should be obtained through laboratory testing. Collect samples from the respiratory tract (nasal swabs, tracheal washes) or from affected tissues, and submit them for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or culture. Positive results guide therapeutic decisions.
Antimicrobial therapy constitutes the core of treatment. Recommended regimens include:
- Tetracycline class antibiotics (doxycycline 5 mg/kg body weight, administered orally or subcutaneously once daily for 7–14 days).
- Macrolides (azithromycin 10 mg/kg, once daily for 5 days) as an alternative for tetracycline‑intolerant cases.
- Fluoroquinolones (enrofloxacin 5 mg/kg, once daily for 7 days) may be considered when resistance is suspected.
Supportive care enhances recovery:
- Provide supplemental warmth to reduce stress.
- Ensure constant access to fresh water and high‑quality nutrition; consider enriched diets with added vitamins.
- Monitor respiratory rate, temperature, and behavior at least twice daily.
If clinical improvement is not observed within 48–72 hours, reassess the antimicrobial choice based on susceptibility data and adjust dosage accordingly. Persistent or worsening signs warrant veterinary consultation for possible adjunctive therapies, such as anti‑inflammatory agents (e.g., meloxicam 0.2 mg/kg, once daily).
Post‑treatment protocols include:
- Repeat PCR testing after completion of the antibiotic course to confirm eradication.
- Maintain strict biosecurity: limit cage cleaning staff, use disposable gloves, and disinfect all equipment entering the isolation area.
- Implement routine health screening for the colony to detect asymptomatic carriers early.
Documentation of all observations, treatments, and test results is essential for tracking disease progression and informing future preventive measures.