MEDICINE CHART FOR RATS
(RMCA, RFC, NFRS, RATGUIDE, RATZRUS, Florida Atlantic University)
TYPICAL BEHAVIORAL SIGNS OF ILLNESS, PAIN, OR DISTRESS
- Guarding (protecting the painful area)
- Lack of mobility (with joint, colic, or gut pain)
- Vocalizing (especially when the animal moves or the painful area is palpated)
- Failure to groom, causing an unkempt appearance
- Licking, biting, scratching, or shaking a particular area
- Abnormal resting postures in which the animal appears to be sleeping or is hunched up
- Restlessness, such as pacing and repeatedly lying down and getting up again
- Failure to show normal patterns of inquisitiveness
PHYSICAL EXAM
| OBSERVATIONS | RATIONALE/AMPLIFICATION |
| Behavior in it's own cage. | Animal should be active, curious, and able to use all four legs. |
| Physical condition. | Animal’s weight should be proportional to age and sex and documented as normal, obese, or emaciated. |
| Hair coat. | A ruffled coat may indicate illness. |
| Rate and pattern of breathing | Breathing should appear effortless and the rate should be the same as that of other animals in the group. Sneezing or noisy breathing are abnormal signs. |
| Nose and eyes. | Discharge from nose and eyes is abnormal. |
| Skin color (footpads, ears, lips). | Pink color of non-pigmented skin indicates good circulation and red blood cell count. Abnormal findings would include blue, yellow, or very pale. |
| Skin condition. | Crusts, sores, and swelling are examples of abnormal findings. |
| Cage condition observations | Food/water levels, normal fecal pellets present? |
| Body temperature | 99.5-100.8oF |
| Respiratory rate | 75-115 per minute (94/minute average) |
| Heart Rate | 320-480 bpm (338 average per minute |
| Blood Pressure | Systolic - 88-184 mm Hg Diastolic - 58-145 mm Hg |
DRUG |
BRAND |
DOSAGE |
USEFUL INFORMATION |
GENERAL INFECTION TYPE |
SIDE EFFECTS |
COMBINATIONS |
|
| Amikacin | Amiglyde-V | 5 mg/lb two or
three times daily, by injection, for 7 to 14 days .10cc/lb for 7 to 14 days |
Bactericidal,
broad-spectrum antibiotic. Can cause kidney damage, but it is not at all common, however,
encourage the rat to drink plenty of liquids to be safe. Should be used for severe
infections, or after other possible drugs have failed. Relatively expensive. NOTE: encourage rat to drink water |
Bacterial tract
infections Bacteremia or Septicaemia Bone and joint infections Pseudomonas aeruginosa Salmonella Some Streptococcus Staphylococcus |
Lethargy
Neuromuscular blockade Facial edema Pain/inflammation at injection site (mild) Loss of hearing Kidney damage |
Do not use with other aminoglycosides | |
| Aminophylline | Aminophylline Phyllocontin Truphylline |
2.5 to 5mg/lb two
or three times a day by injection . 250mg/10mL solution 0.10 to 0.20cc/lb solution |
Bronchodilator.
Relaxes and expands bronchial tubes, helping rats to breathe easier in cases of pneumonia.
However, it should be used with caution as it sometimes has a stimulant effect which can
cause an already stressed rat to have a panic attack. Can have a stimulant effect, causing
an already over-stressed rat to have panic attack like symptoms. Injectable and oral forms available. Inexpensive. |
Pneumonia Certain heart conditions A diuretic (used to increase urine formation and output) Asthma |
Nervousness
Restlessness Itching Seizures Increased and or irregular heart rate Irritation in the stomach |
Do not take with Enrofloxacin, Cimetidine, Clindamycin, Erythromycin | |
| Amoxicillin | Amoxi-Drops Biomox Robamo Fish Mox (Fish Stores) |
10mg/lb twice
daily, orally .20cc/lb for 10 to 14 days |
Mild
broad-spectrum antibiotic used for the prevention and treatment of bacterial ailments.
Penicillin related, with increased gram positive and limited gram negative spectrum.
Amoxicillin blocks the formation of bacterial cell walls, rendering bacteria unable to
multiply and spread. Bubble Gum
flavored, most rats like it. |
Urinary Tract After surgery to prevent infection Secondary infections Skin infections/infected bite wounds |
Anemia
Loss of appetite Diarrhea |
Amikacin Gentamicin
Do not use with Tetracycline |
|
| Amoxicillin Trihydrate | Clavamox | 6.25mg/lb twice
daily, orally .15cc/lb for 10 to 14 days |
Used for the
prevention and treatment of bacterial ailments. Slightly more broad-spectrum than
Amoxicillin. More or less the same as Amoxicillin except that it is able to protect the
penicillin structure from destruction by Staphylococci. This means that this combined
medication can be used against staphylococcal infections (usually skin infections),
whereas Amoxicillin cannot. Tasty
and easy to give. |
After surgery to
prevent infection Urinary infections Secondary infections Staphylococcal infections Skin/soft tissue infections (abscesses) |
Gentamicin
Do not use with Tetracycline |
||
| Ampicillin | Fish Cillin (Fish Store) |
20 mg/orally or by injection twice a day | Ampicillin
trihydrate is a semisynthetic penicillin. Aminopenicillins, like Ampicillin, have activity
against penicillin-sensitive gram-positive bacteria as well as some gram-negative
bacteria. NOTE: Preferably give on an empty stomach |
General bacterial
infections Urinary infections Skin/skin structure infections |
Anemia
Loss of appetite Diarrhea |
Amikacin Gentamicin Enrofloxacin
Do not use with Tetracycline |
|
| Aspirin | 100 mg to 150
mg/kg orally every four hours 100-400 mg/kg orally |
Aspirin is a salicylate that has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-rheumatic properties. It blocks production and release of chemicals responsible for pain and inflammation. It decreases fever by changing the body's thermostat in the brain. | Relief from pain
and inflammation Fever |
Do
not use if the rat has a bleeding disorder May cause stomach irritation Stop use at least one week before any surgery |
Do not use with
Any cortisone type drugs - Prednisone, Prednisolone, Dexamethasone Be cautious when using with Aminoglycosides (Amikacin, Gentamicin) |
||
| Azithromycin | Zithromax | 4 mg to 8 mg/lb
twice a day for the first 14 days then once a day for an additional 14 days, if needed .1 to .2cc/lb twice daily for the first 14 days, then .1 to .2cc/lb once daily for another 14 days, if needed |
A broad-spectrum
systemic antibiotic used in the prevention and treatment of a variety of bacterial
infections. It works by preventing protein production in the bacteria, effectively killing
it off and allowing the body's immune system to get the infection under control. Good for
younger rats, less effective on older rats. Cherry flavored — most rats love it. Quite expensive. NOTE: Safe for pregnant and nursing females and rats under 4 months of age. |
Sinus bacterial
infections Throat bacterial infections Respiratory tract bacterial infections (such as bronchitis and pneumonia) Mycoplasma |
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite Stroke Inflammation of the kidneys |
Doxycycline
Do not use with Theophylline (increased risk of toxicity) |
|
| Buprenorphine Hcl | Buprenex | 0.02-0.50 mg/kg by
injection every 6-12 hours 0.05 mg/kg by injection twice daily 0.01-0.02 mg/ml drinking water |
A narcotic/opiate agonist / antagonist, and a thebaine derivative, providing long acting analgesia. It binds to brain receptors, relieving pain. It decreases the feeling of pain and response to pain. | Post-surgical pain relief | Sedation
and lethargy Agitation Constipation Itching Renal problems |
||
| Butorphanol | Stadol Stadol Ns Torbutrol Torbugesic |
1-5 mg/kg by
injection every 2-4 hours 0.1-2 mg/kg by injection every 4 hours |
Butorphanol is a synthetically derived opioid agonist-antagonist analgesic of the phenanthrene series. Related structurally to morphine. It binds to brain receptors, relieving pain. | Analgesic to
treat moderate to severe pain Sedative |
Lethargy
Agitation Heart rate decrease Respiratory depression Constipation Itching Renal problems |
||
| Carbenicillin | 100 MG/KG PO q12h (14) | ||||||
| Cefadroxil | Cefa-Drops Fort Dodge Cefa Tabs |
10mg/lb twice
daily, orally for 10 – 30 days .20cc/lb for 10 to 30 days |
A broad-spectrum
antibiotic chemically related to penicillin. Inexpensive, but only available via
prescription. It is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including those of
the throat, skin and soft tissues. Pineapple-Orange
flavored — most rats love it. NOTE! Cefadroxil is effective only against infections caused by bacteria; it is ineffective against those caused by viruses, fungi, or other microorganisms |
Respiratory Skin And Soft Tissue Alimentary Tract GI/Digestive Tract Urinary Tract After surgery to prevent infection Secondary infections Most Streptococci Staphylococci |
Anemia
Diarrhea Loss of appetite |
Gentamicin | |
| Cephalexin Monohydrate | Keflex Biocef |
12 mg to 25 mg/lb four times daily, orally | A
broad spectrum, bactericidal, antibiotic The drug is well absorbed orally and widely distributed throughout the body. It crosses both placental and fetal serum, and is not recommended during pregnancy. It does not enter cerebral spinal fluid in appreciable levels. It also does not show significant levels breast milk, and may be given to lactating females. Give yogurt, Lactobacillus capsules/granules, or Bene-bac to help maintain normal gut flora |
Streptococci Staphylociccus Secondary infections |
Anorexia(poor or no appetite) Diarrhea Itching |
Gentamicin Metronidazole Ampicillin |
|
| CEPHALORIDINE (LORIDINE) | 10-25 MG/KG SC IM q24h (14) // 30 IM Q12H(2) // OR 30 | ||||||
| Chloramphenicol Palmitate | Azramycine
S125 Azramycine S250 Chloromyceti Chlor Palm 125; Chlor Palm 250 Duricol; Karomycin Palmitate 125 Karomycin Palmitate 250 Novochlorocap |
25 to
90mg/lb three times daily, orally 0.83 mg/ml in drinking water |
Broad-spectrum
systemic antibiotic with activity against many gram negative and gram positive organisms,
it can also act as a bactericidal in higher concentrations. Oral form may be obtained from a compounding pharmacy. Mixed to
order in any flavor you request. Expensive. NOTE: Do not give to pregnant/lactating rats Do not use for trivial infections, can be highly toxic |
Respiratory Clostridium Mycoplasma Pneumonia Salmonella Staphylococcus Streptococcus |
Anemia Diarrhea Anaphylaxis Bone marrow suppression |
Do not use with Azithromycin, Erythromycin, Tylosin | |
| Chloramphenicol Sodium Succinate | Chloromycetin Sodium Succinate | 25-90 mg/lb
orally, three times daily .15cc to .25cc/lb for 7 to 14 days |
A broad-spectrum
systemic antibiotic that affects a wide range of bacteria, and penetrates tissues other
antibiotics cannot (e.g., central nervous system and eyes). It works by interfering with
the protein synthesis inside invading bacteria, preventing their reproduction. Very expensive. NOTE: Do not give to pregnant or nursing rats! |
Respiratory Clostridium Mycoplasma Salmonella Staphylococcus Streptococcus |
Anemia
Diarrhea Anaphylaxis Bone marrow suppression |
Do not give with Azithromycin, Erythromycin, Tylosin | |
| Chlorpheniramine Maleate | Chlor-Trimeton | 0.2 mg/lb twice a day (children’s formula) | Antihistamine | The management of
itchy skin Vaccination reactions Blood transfusion reactions Bee stings and insect bites |
Drowsiness Increase Thirst |
||
| Ciprofloxacin | Cipro | 7mg/kg to 20 mg/kg q12h; orally or intramuscular | Concentration dependent bactericidal agent. It is structurally related to enrofloxacin, and has a similar spectrum of activity. | Respiratory
infections Urinary tract infections Soft tissue injury |
Restlessness Diarrhea Itching |
Doxycycline Gentamicin Amoxicillin Ampicillin |
|
| Cisapride | .2 to .4mg/lb | May be helpful in
some cases of Megacolon (bloat). Success has been achieved in a small number of rats with
this condition; however, there are still no known cases of it working for babies found to
have megacolon. Prescription needed. |
|||||
| Clarithromycin | Biaxin | 3.4 mg/lb twice
daily, orally 1.5 to 5 mg/lb orally, twice daily |
Approved for treatment of common bacterial infections in non-immunocompromised individuals. Clarithromycin is used orally for the treatment of upper and lower respiratory tract and skin and skin structure infections. | Respiratory
infections (Mycoplasma pneumonia) Skin and skin structure infections |
Loss
of balance Behavioral changes Abdominal pain Diarrhea Loss of appetite Itching |
Do not give with Theophylline | |
| Clindamycin | Antirobe
Aquadrops Liquid Cleocin Hci Capsules Clina-Derm (Topical Solution) |
2.5mg/lb every 12
hours 4 to 8 mg/lb/day |
For the treatment
of wounds, abscesses, bone infections and dental infections. For the treatment of soft
tissue. Prescription only |
Skin and skin
structure infections, Oral cavity Bone Respiratory |
Diarrhea Decreased appetite |
||
| Chlorpheniramine Maleate | Chlor-Trimeton | 0.2 mg/lb twice daily; orally | This drug is
among the most potent of Antihistamines but unlike the ethanolamine derivatives is only
minimally sedative. Like other antihistaminics it blocks histamine at the receptor site. NOTE: Do not give to lactating rats. Avoid milk products |
Allergy symptoms Nasal congestion |
Drowsy Poor coordination Dry mouth Urine ret |
||
| Dexamethasone | Azium 2mg/Ml Solution | .05 to 1mg/lb
injection .025 to .15cc/lb |
Quick-acting
anti-inflammatory corticosteroid which can be used as supportive therapy in inflammatory
conditions such as pneumonia, inner-ear infections (wry neck/head-tilt), and injury. Use
only for very short periods. Can be expensive if purchased as single injections in veterinary clinics. Prescription needed. |
Pneumonia Inner-ear problems/wry neck Central nervous system disorders Shock |
Atrophy
around the site of the injection Swelling due to serous fluid in tissue |
Do not use with Aspirin | |
| Digoxin | Digoxin (Tablets)
Cardoxin (Elixir) Lanoxin |
0.001-0.0025 mg/lb twice a day (as time goes on, you often have to increase the dose) | Digoxin is a
cardiac glycoside used to treat various types of heart disease. The effect of digoxin is
to slow the heart rate and increase heart muscle contraction. Prescription only. |
Heart | Loss
of appetite Vomiting Diarrhea Incoordination Depression Abnormal heart rhythms. |
Enalapril | |
| Diphenhydramine | Benadryl (Children’s) | 0.2 mg/lb twice daily; orally | Used in allergy symptoms, as a sedative for agitation in pruritis, also helps to suppress cough reflex by its action on the brain. | Allergy symptoms Vaccination reactions Blood transfusion reactions Bee stings/Insect bites |
Drowsiness Increased thirst |
||
| Doxycycline | Vibramycin, Vibra Tabs |
2.5mg/lb twice
daily, orally for 14 to 30 days .10cc/lb for 14 to 30 days 100 mg capsule in 4cc water/fresh daily |
A synthetic
analogue of a broad-spectrum antibiotic related to tetracycline, but deemed to be a better
substitute and used against a wide range of susceptible organisms. It works by inhibiting
the protein production in bacteria preventing them from living. It is used to treat
ailments caused by bacteria. Relatively cheap, only available via prescription. NOTE: Do not use with any milk products. Do not use on pregnant or very young rats. |
Mycoplasma Some of the strains of Staphylococcus and Streptococci |
Diarrhea
Itching and/or abscesses around injection site Could have damaging effects on the liver |
Enrofloxacin Azithromycin |
|
| Enrofloxacin | Baytril 2.27% Ciprofloxacin |
5mg/lb twice
daily, orally .20cc/lb for 14 to 30 days (INCREASED 4 TIMES) 2.5 to 5mg/lb twice daily, orally or injection 100 mg/liter in drinking water 0.2 ml/lb orally for 14 to 30 days |
Bactericidal,
broad-spectrum antibiotic once touted as being the miracle drug for mycoplasma, but we've
found that using the recommended dose, symptoms return very soon after ending treatment
(although some rat owners report having excellent results). Better results have been
achieved using much higher doses (as shown). Use in combination with Doxycycline for best
results. Injectable form tastes horrible and must be mixed with something to make it
palatable. Can also be nebulized. Relatively
expensive. NOTE: Baytril shouldn't be used in rats under 3 months of age. |
Alimentary Tract GI/Digestive Tract Reproductive Tract Bacterium/Septicemia (Along With A Penicillin) Bone/Joint Mycoplasma Staphylococci Urinary tract infections Soft tissue injury |
Seizures
Diarrhea Itching, redness, soreness at injection site |
Doxycyline
Do not use with Theophylline |
|
| Enalapril | 0.25 mg/lb once a day, orally | Used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It is also used in combination with other medications to treat heart failure. Enalapril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently. | Rats with advanced respiratory disease often have heart disease as well - If giving enalapril makes the rat feel better, then you know he has congestive heart failure | Cough
Dizziness Rash Weakness |
|||
| Erythromycin | Ornacyn (Pet Shop
Bird Medication) Mycin Robimycin Robitabs Eryc Eryped Fish Mycin (Fish Section) |
5 to 10mg/lb three
times daily, orally 1/2 to 1 tablet in 2oz. water mixed fresh daily 1/8 tablet mixed in food three times daily |
From the
macrolide group of antibiotics, it is active primarily against gram-positive bacteria,
like Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, including many that are resistant to penicillins.
Erythromycin is effective only against rapidly dividing bacteria. Injectable form is painful. NOTE: pet shop bird antibiotics are not veterinarian recommended. |
Streptococcus Staphylococcus Mild respiratory infections Abscesses |
Anorexia
Diarrhea Itching |
Do not use with Chloramphenicol, Theophylline (may increase toxicity) | |
| Furosemide IS | Lasix Salix |
1-2mg/lb once to three times a day, orally | A diuretic used
in the treatment of congestive heart failure, pulmonary edema, kidney disease, high blood
pressure and edema. NOTE: When a rat is on a diuretic, you must frequently check him for dehydration by pinching the skin on his back. In a rat that is normally hydrated, the skin will snap back immediately. The longer the skin takes to snap back, the more dehydrated a rat is. If a rat on a diuretic becomes dehydrated you must stop the diuretic and get the rat rehydrated. |
Fluid reduction in lungs | Diarrhea Fluid and electrolyte imbalances |
Use with caution with Gentamicin or Streptomycin; NSAIDS | |
| Gentamicin | Gentocin | 1 to
2mg/lb twice daily by injection Gentocin 40 - 0.025 to 0.05cc/lb, twice daily for 7 to 14 days |
Bactericidal,
broad-spectrum antibiotic. Great for treating severe respiratory disease and secondary
bacterial infections. Best used in combination with Cefa-Drops, Clavamox, or Amoxicillin.
Can cause kidney damage, but it is not at all common, however, encourage the rat to drink
plenty of liquids to be safe. Can also cause problems with the inner ear resulting in loss
of coordination (also rare). TOXICITY STUDIES: No toxic effects were observed in rats given gentamicin sulfate 9.09 mg/lb once daily for 24 days. NOTE: Have rats drink plenty of water |
Severe
respiratory disease Secondary bacterial infections Pseudomonas Staphylococcus Aureus Some Mycobacteria Some Streptococcus species |
Itching, Swelling Tremors Loss of coordination Ototoxicity (the harmful effect on the organs or nerves concerned with hearing and balance) has been shown to be a risk even before the auditory organs have begun to function in developing rats. |
Cefadroxil Amoxicillin Trihydrate |
|
| GRISEOFULVIN (FULVICIN U/F) | 25-50 MG/KG PO q12h X 14-60 DAYS (14) // 60 MG/KG PO IN FOOD(3) | Antifungal | |||||
| Guaifenesin | Benylin-E
Humibid Organidin Nr Robitussin |
1/10th the child’s dose | Guaifenesin increases respiratory tract fluid by reducing adhesiveness and surface tension. This in turn helps to thin the mucus making it easier to cough up and remove from the airways. | Bronchitis
Respiratory infections |
Drowsiness Restlessness Poor appetite |
||
| Ibuprofen | Nuprin Pedia Profen Children’s Advil Motrin |
60
mg/lb twice a day Children’s Motrin in 500 ml water |
Pain reliever. | Anti-inflammatory Pain reliever |
|||
| Ivermectin | Ivomec (Liquid, Must Be Diluted) | 100
to 200 mcg/lb orally or injection Once a week for 3 weeks |
A
systemic parasiticide used to rid rats of mites and lice and most internal parasites
(pinworms, roundworms, etc. — not effective against tapeworms). The Ivermectin gets
into the bloodstream and when the mite or louse bites the rat and drinks the blood, the
bug dies. Injectable form can be used by injection or orally; however, Ivermectin is safer
to use orally. Non-prescription |
Mites Lice |
Overdose - dilated pupils and a drunken gait that can progress to
respiratory paralysis and death if medication is not withdrawn and supportive care is
withheld. Loss of appetite Fatigue Tremors Diarrhea Constipation |
|
|
| Horse
Wormer Paste: ZIMECTERIN ROTECTIN 1 EQUIMECTRIN |
1/2 to 1 grain of rice sized drop per 1lb weight, once a week for three weeks | Use
horse wormer paste orally, the size of an uncooked grain of white rice once a week for
three weeks.. May be use safely for up to 6 weeks if mite infection is heavy. Non-prescription |
|||||
| SELEMECTIN
TOPICAL: REVOLUTION (Mauve Package Labeled For Kittens) |
TOPICAL: .10mL Once per month | TOPICAL:
application of Selemectin can be less stressful for rats than injection. Follow directions
on package. Prescription needed |
|||||
| Metronidazole | Flagyl Metrogyl |
10 mg to 30 mg/lb,
two or three times daily 10 mg to 40 mg/rat once daily, orally |
Powerful bactericidal agent with activity against most anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that does not require the presence of oxygen to grow), and an amebicide with effective activity against Entamoeba histolytica, Trichomonas, Giardia and Balantidium coli. Give with food to avoid GI distress | Bone infections Tooth socket Abscesses |
Lethargy Weakness Poor coordination Loss of appetite Diarrhea Stomatitis Itching |
Avoid concurrent
use with Phenobarital, and Cimetidine
Do not use with Aztreonam |
|
| Neomycin Sulfate | 0.5 MG/ML DW OR 50 MG/KG SC q24h (14) | Aminoglyocides Diarrhea | |||||
| Orbifloxacin | Orbax | 5 mg/lb | Broad spectrum
antibiotic used in cats and dogs to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria. NOTE: Do not give with food. Prescription only |
Urinary tract
infections Soft tissue injury Skin infections |
Restlessness Diarrhea Itching |
Doxycycline | |
| Oxytetracycline | Oxytetracycline
Hcl LIQUAMYCIN |
0.4 mg/ml in drinking water | Primarily
bacteriostatic antibiotic of the Tetracycline family. It is thought to exert its
anti-microbial effect by the inhibition of protein synthesis. It is active against a wide
range of gram-negative and gram-positive organisms. NOTE: Do not give with milk products Do not give to rats with kidney problems |
Wounds Skin infections Respiratory infections Mycoplasma |
Loss
of appetite Itching Anaphylaxis |
Tylosin
Do not give with Penicillin based drugs, Amikacin, Gentamicin |
|
| Oxytocin | Vet: Oxytocin Human: Pitocin, Syntocinon |
0.2 units to 3 units/kg , subcutaneous injection | Stimulates the contraction of the uterus by increasing sodium permeability of uterine myofibrils. Used to induce or continue labor in normal presentation. Used to control bleeding following delivery | Labor difficulties | Increases
heart rate Blood pressure |
Avoid using vasoconstrictors with oxytocin as it can result in hypertension | |
| Prednisone (Oral Solution 1mg/Ml) |
.25 to 1mg/lb once
daily, orally 0.25 to 1cc/lb oral solution 0.5-0.22 mg by injection |
Prednisone and
Prednisolone are both members of the glucocorticoid class of hormones. They are used to
treat a variety of conditions that involve inflammation. These medications are considered
to be interchangeable. Relatively
expensive. NOTE: Do not use in Pregnant rats |
Pituitary tumors Respiratory disorders such as pneumonia Severe itching In treating shock to improve circulation Pneumonia Inner ear infection/wry neck |
Cataracts
Glaucoma Delayed wound healing Excessive thirst and excessive urination Atrophy at injection site |
Do not use with NSAIDs, e.g. Aspirin | ||
| Primatine (Ephedrine) | Primatene Oral | 1 mg/lb twice a day. | A bronchodialator available over the counter. You can buy an inhaler to have on hand for emergency treatment of respiratory distress. | Respiratory distress | |||
| Pseuodephedrine | 1.5 mg twice a day (non-drowsy pediatric formula) | Decongestant | Nervousness Restlessness Dizziness Difficulty sleeping Upset stomach |
||||
| Sulfamethoxazole / Trimethoprim | Tribrissen Cotrim Bactrim Septra Sulfatrim |
15mg/lb twice
daily, orally .15cc/lb |
Bactericidal,
broad-spectrum combination (antibiotic) active against many secondary infections, but not mycoplasma.
Great for urinary tract infections. Tastes terrible, so is difficult to get rats to take. Prescription needed. |
Alimentary Tract GI/Digestive Tract Skin And Soft Tissue Reproductive Tract Mild respiratory infections Prevent infection after surgery or injury Mycoplasma Some eye infections Urinary infections |
Loss
of appetite Itchiness |
Amikacin Gentamicin |
|
| SULFAMERAZINE | 1 MG/4 G FEED (14) OR 1 MG/ML DW (14) | BACTERIAL | |||||
| SULFAMETHAZINE | 1 MG/ML DW (14) // OR DW 0.02%(2) | BACT. COCCIDIA, CIT,B | |||||
| SULFAQUINOXALINE (SULQUIN) | 0.25-1.0 MG/ML DW (14) // 0.025% 30days | EIMERIA, KLOS. PAST. | |||||
| Tetracycline | Panmycin | 5 to
10mg/lb three times daily, orally .05 to .10cc/lb |
A
broad-spectrum antibiotic derived from chlortetracycline and used in medicine to treat a
wide variety of bacterial infections. It works like most other Bacteriostatic antibiotics
by inhibiting the production of protein in invading cells. Will not work against virus
infections. Prescription only. NOTE: Do not use with milk products |
Mycoplasma Respiratory infections Wound and skin infections Urinary infections |
Loss of appetite Itching |
May decrease the effect of penicillin based drugs or aminoglycosides | |
| TERRAMYCIN
(Soluble Powder -Feed Store) ORNACYCLINE (Tablet Form - Bird Area) FISH CYCLINE (Fish Area)
|
1/2 to 1 tsp/8 oz water/Fresh daily | When Terramycin is mixed in water bottle, be sure to cover the bottle as the drug is light sensitive. You can keep the mixture in the refrigerator for 3 days, changing the water bottles on the cages daily. Place once ounce per rat in the water bottle daily. No prescription needed. Can be found in feed/tack stores. Inexpensive, but treating in the water is not desired. Remove moist foods from diet while treating with medication in the water to encourage drinking. | |||||
| TETRACYCLINE (Capsules) | 500mg
of powder from capsules mixed into 1 liter of water Treat for 14 to 30 days |
When tetracycline capsules are emptied into water bottle, be sure to cover the bottle as the drug is light sensitive. You can keep the mixture in the refrigerator for 3 days, changing the water bottles on the cages daily. Place once ounce per rat in the water bottle daily. Prescription/non-prescription available. Inexpensive, but treating in the water is not desired. Remove moist foods from diet while treating with medication in the water to encourage drinking. | |||||
| AUREOMYCIN
(Soluble Powder) CHLORTETRACYCLINE (Feed Store) |
1/4 to 1/2 tsp/8 oz water/Fresh daily | ||||||
| Theophylline | Slo-Phyllin,
Elixophyllin Theo-Dur |
Have Vet do appropriate conversions based on dosages provide for Aminophylline | Used as a bronchodilator in reversible airway obstruction due to asthma. Can be used in cases of Pulmonary Edema. Helpful in rats with pneumonia. | Respiratory infections (pneumonia | Nervousness Restlessness Itching |
Erythromycin, Ciprofloxacin/Enrofloxacin, Clindamycin, and other macrolides may increase aminophylline concentrations | |
| Trimethoprim Sulfamethoxazole | Bactrim Septra Sulfatrim Cotrim (Trimethoprim Sulfadiazine) Tribrissen (Trimethoprim Sulfamethoxazole) |
15mg/lb orally,
twice a day 30 mg/kg orally or by injection twice a day |
An broad-spectrum
anti-bacterial substance, used against a variety of bacterial organisms. It is a
combination of two active ingredients. Both affect a vitamin called folic acid and its
activity in bacteria causing destruction of its metabolic function in the bacteria. Note: Keep rat well hydrated |
Certain urinary
tract infections Skin infections Any secondary infections - bronchitis, pneumonia, Streptococci and some strains of Staphylococcus Not effective against Mycoplasma |
Diarrhea
Rash and/or itching Anaphylaxis (exaggerated allergic reaction on second dose if this state develops) Joint inflammation |
Amikacin Gentamicin |
|
| Tylosin | Tylan (Soluble
Powder) (Possibly Avail In Feed Stores) Elanco |
4.5mg/lb twice
daily, orally or injection 1/8 tsp/8 oz water/Fresh every 3 days Treat for 14 to 30 days |
It is similar in
structure, mechanism of action, and spectrum as that of Erythromycin, but more active
against certain Mycoplasma. An injectable form is available, but pain and swelling occur
at the injection site. Remove moist foods from diet while Tylan is in the water to
encourage drinking. You may also add sugar to decrease bitterness (change daily in this
case). No prescription necessary. Inexpensive, but treating in the water is not desired. Note: Safe for pregnant and nursing females and rats under 4 months of age. |
Respiratory Mild and chronic symptoms of respiratory disease caused by Mycoplasma, however does not always show any effect Skin/soft tissue infections caused by some Streptococci |
Diarrhea
Liver damage Itching |
Do not use with Chloramphenicol Palmitate, Chloramphenicol Sodium Succinate, macrolides | |
| Fatal
Reactions: Streptomycin, Dihydrostreptomycin, Procaine Component Of Penicillins. Figuring Liquid Dosages When Using Water, Always Use Bottled/Filtered Water As Some Medications React Negatively To The Chlorine, Zinc And Magnesium Level Often Found In Tap Water. Here Is How You Convert A Dose In Mg To A Dose In Ml. Find The Concentration Of The Medication, Which Will Be In Mg/Ml. Divide This Number By The Dose In Mg. Divide The Results Into 1. For Example, If The Concentration Is 50 Mg/Ml, And The Dose You Want Is 10 Mg, You Need To Divide 50 By 10. This Gives You The Number Of Doses In One Ml, In This Case, 5. Dividing 5 Into 1 Gives You The Dose In Ml, In This Case 0.2 Ml. (One Ml Is Exactly The Same As One Cc.) To Determine How Many Doses In A Tablet Or Capsule, Divide The Strength Of The Pill By The Required Dose. For Example, If The Pill Contains 50 Mg And The Dose Is 2 Mg, You Divide 50 By 2, And You Find That The Pill Contains 25 Doses. If You Need Help Figuring Out Doses, Just Give Me A Call. Mixing Medications Figure Out How Many Doses There Are In The Tablet Or Capsule. To Do This, Divide The Strength Of The Tablet Or Capsule By The Required Dose. For Example, If A Capsule Contains 250 Mg And The Dose Is 10 Mg/Lb (Like With Amoxicillin Capsules), You Divide 250 By 10, And You Find That The Capsule Contains 25 Doses For The Average 1-Lb Rat. Grind The Tablet Or Capsule Contents To A Powder (If It Isn’t Already A Powder). Or, If You Can Make The Medication Ahead Of Time, You Can Put A Tablet Or Contents Of A Capsule Into The Liquid To Soak For 12 Hours, And Then Just Stir It. To Figure Out The Amount Of Liquid To Use, Take The Number Of Doses In The Powder And Multiply It By The Liquid Dose You Decided On. For Example, Let’s Say You Have A 100-Mg Capsule Of Doxycycline. Since The Dose For Doxy Is 2.5 Mg/Lb, This Capsule Contains 40 Doses For The Average 1-Lb Rat. If You Decided To Make The Dose 0.3-Ml Then You Multiply 40 By 0.3 And You Get 12 Ml. You Mix The Capsule With 12 Ml Of Flavoring. Here’s Another Example: A 250-Mg Capsule Of Amoxicillin Contains 25 1-Lb. Doses. 25 X 0.3 Ml = 7.5 Ml. You Mix The Amoxicillin Capsule With 7.5 Ml Of Flavoring. For Both Of These Examples The Dose For A 1-Lb. Rat Is 0.3 Ml, For A 1¼-Lb Rat Is 0.5 Ml, And For A ½-Lb Rat Is 0.15 Ml. |
|||||||
For more information on Rattie-Express or any of our animals, please email me (Tara) at rattie.express@comcast.net.
Rattie Express, located in Reading (Allentown, Harrisburg, Philadelphia) PA, is a rattery dedicated to rat rescue, rehabilitation and adoption of rats as pets, includes information on rat adoption, nutrition and care. Rat Adoption, rat adoption PA, rat adoption Reading PA, rat adoption pa, adoptable rats, rat rescue PA, rat rescue pA, Reading, PA, rescued rats, Allentown, Harrisburg, Philadelphia.