What to feed a paralyzed rat? - briefly
Offer a soft, high‑energy diet—moistened laboratory pellets or nutritionally balanced recovery gel—with constant access to water. Add a vitamin‑enriched supplement such as baby formula or a commercial rodent recovery formula to ensure adequate nutrition.
What to feed a paralyzed rat? - in detail
Feeding an immobilized rat requires a diet that supplies adequate calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals while accommodating limited mobility and potential difficulty swallowing.
Provide a soft, highly digestible base such as a commercial rodent recovery formula, or blend standard laboratory chow with warm water or low‑fat milk to a porridge‑like consistency. This ensures easy ingestion and reduces the risk of choking.
Essential components
- Protein: 20–25 % of total calories. Include whey protein isolate, boiled egg white, or finely minced cooked chicken breast.
- Energy: 300–350 kcal/kg body weight per day. Add medium‑chain triglyceride oil or a small amount of vegetable oil to the base mixture.
- Vitamins and minerals: Supply a multivitamin supplement formulated for rodents; pay special attention to calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D to prevent bone demineralization during prolonged inactivity.
- Fiber: 2–3 % of diet. Use finely ground oat bran or psyllium husk to maintain gut motility.
- Hydration: Offer water via a syringe or a low‑profile bottle with a flexible tip. Supplement with electrolytes (e.g., a diluted pediatric oral rehydration solution) if the animal shows signs of dehydration.
Feeding technique
- Warm the food to 37 °C to stimulate appetite and improve texture.
- Use a sterile syringe with a 5 ml tip to deliver 0.5–1 ml increments directly into the mouth, allowing the rat to swallow between doses.
- Observe for aspiration; if coughing or gagging occurs, pause and adjust the consistency to a thinner slurry.
- Feed 3–4 times daily, adjusting volume based on weight measurements taken each morning.
Monitoring and adjustments
- Weigh the rat at the same time each day; aim for a minimum gain of 1–2 g per day until stable.
- Inspect stool for consistency; modify fiber content if constipation develops.
- Record water intake; increase supplemental fluids if urine is concentrated.
- Consult a veterinarian if the animal loses more than 5 % of body weight within 48 hours or exhibits respiratory distress.
By delivering a nutritionally complete, easily consumable diet and maintaining strict monitoring, an immobilized rat can sustain health and recover more effectively.