What to give a rat with pneumonia? - briefly
Treat the rat with a veterinarian‑prescribed antibiotic (e.g., enrofloxacin) and a bronchodilator (e.g., terbutaline) to address the infection and improve airway function. Provide supportive care including humidified oxygen, fluid therapy, and a high‑calorie diet.
What to give a rat with pneumonia? - in detail
Rats suffering from pneumonia require a combination of antimicrobial therapy, supportive care, and environmental management.
Antibiotic selection should be based on the most common bacterial agents—Streptococcus spp., Pasteurella multocida, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. First‑line options include enrofloxacin (5 mg/kg subcutaneously every 12 hours) or doxycycline (10 mg/kg orally twice daily). If a gram‑positive infection is suspected, amoxicillin‑clavulanic acid (20 mg/kg orally every 8 hours) may be added. Culture and sensitivity testing are advisable to confirm the pathogen and refine treatment.
Fluid therapy addresses dehydration and supports mucociliary clearance. Warm sterile saline (30 ml/kg/day) administered subcutaneously or via a balanced electrolyte solution (e.g., Lactated Ringer’s) at 10 ml/kg/h can maintain hydration and electrolyte balance. Monitor weight, skin turgor, and urine output to adjust rates.
Respiratory support includes:
- Warm, humidified environment (temperature ≈ 30 °C, humidity ≈ 60 %) to reduce airway irritation.
- Nebulization with sterile saline or a mild bronchodilator (e.g., albuterol 0.5 mg/kg via nebulizer) three times daily.
- Gentle chest physiotherapy—light tapping along the thorax to mobilize secretions.
Analgesia and anti‑inflammatory medication alleviate discomfort and reduce inflammation. Buprenorphine (0.05 mg/kg subcutaneously every 8‑12 hours) or meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg orally once daily) are appropriate choices, provided renal function is monitored.
Nutritional support is critical; offer high‑calorie, easily digestible diets such as softened pellets, boiled chicken, or commercial rodent recovery formulas. Encourage frequent small meals and supplement with a vitamin‑rich gel if intake declines.
Monitoring parameters include respiratory rate, effort, temperature, weight, and blood work (CBC, blood gases) every 24 hours. Adjust antibiotics according to culture results and clinical response. Discontinue therapy after a minimum of 7–10 days of symptom resolution, ensuring a full course to prevent relapse.
In summary, effective management combines targeted antibiotics, controlled fluid replacement, humidified respiratory care, analgesia, and nutritional support, with vigilant monitoring to guide adjustments and ensure recovery.