What to give a rat in case of poisoning? - briefly
Give the rat activated charcoal orally to adsorb the toxin, then provide supportive care such as subcutaneous fluids and, if the specific poison is known, a veterinarian‑prescribed antidote.
What to give a rat in case of poisoning? - in detail
When a rodent shows signs of toxin exposure, immediate action focuses on stabilizing the animal and preventing further absorption. First, remove the source of the poison and isolate the rat in a clean, well‑ventilated cage. Offer fresh water to encourage drinking, but do not force intake.
Initial decontamination
- Rinse the fur and paws with lukewarm water and a mild, non‑soap cleanser to eliminate surface residues.
- If the toxin was ingested, induce emesis only under veterinary guidance; some substances cause greater damage when vomited.
Absorbent therapy
- Administer activated charcoal (1 g/kg body weight) orally or via a feeding tube. Charcoal binds many oral toxins and reduces systemic uptake. Repeat every 4–6 hours if the exposure was massive or the toxin has a prolonged absorption phase.
Antidotes and specific treatments
- Brodifacoum or other anticoagulant rodenticides: Give vitamin K1 (phytonadione) at 2–5 mg/kg subcutaneously or orally, repeated daily for 7–10 days, followed by a tapering schedule.
- Organophosphates: Provide atropine (0.05–0.1 mg/kg IM) to counteract muscarinic effects, and consider pralidoxime (30 mg/kg SC) to reactivate acetylcholinesterase.
- Metal salts (e.g., zinc phosphide): Administer calcium gluconate (100 mg/kg SC) to chelate free calcium and support cardiac function; consider deferoxamine for iron overload.
- Aflatoxin or mycotoxin exposure: Offer silymarin (50 mg/kg PO) as a hepatoprotective agent and monitor liver enzymes.
Supportive care
- Provide warmed lactated Ringer’s solution (30 mL/kg SC) to correct dehydration and maintain perfusion.
- Monitor respiration, heart rate, and temperature every 30 minutes during the acute phase.
- Offer a high‑calorie, easily digestible diet (e.g., mashed banana or commercial rodent recovery formula) to counteract anorexia.
Veterinary involvement
- Contact a qualified exotic‑animal veterinarian within the first hour of suspicion. Laboratory analysis (blood chemistry, clotting profile, toxin screens) guides precise dosing and identifies complications such as coagulopathy, hepatic failure, or renal insufficiency.
Follow‑up
- Re‑evaluate clinical signs daily for at least two weeks.
- Conduct a final health assessment, including weight measurement and behavioral observation, before returning the rat to its home environment.
Prompt decontamination, appropriate antidotes, and diligent supportive therapy together maximize the likelihood of recovery from toxic exposure.