Pet Rat Medication

Though rats are normally clean and healthy pets, like almost any animal, they can come down with a variety of ailments requiring medical attention. When this happens, you may wonder what types of medications are safe for your pet rat. Luckily, pet rats respond well to several common medications that can be used to treat everything from a respiratory infection to gastrointestinal disorders.

  1. Respiratory Ailments

    • Respiratory medications are generally used in rats to relax and open the bronchial tubes. These types of medicines may be used in cases of pneumonia or other respiratory ailments. Antihistamines, decongestants and expectorants are all specific types of medication which can be administered to a pet rat. Oxytetracycline is an antibiotic commonly used in the treatment of rat respiratory infections with a bacterial cause, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual.

    Skin Disease Treatment

    • A variety of skin disorders may afflict pet rats, such as ringworm, mites and more, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. Fungal infections can be treated with topical antifugals or oral dosages of griseofulvin, a type of penicillin. Mite and flea infestations are typically treated with, "application of silica or pyrethrin dusts, ivermectin solutions in drinking water". Multiple applications are generally necessary to eradicate the problem. Bacterial skin infections in pet rats can be treated with antibiotics, frequently ampicillin or penicillin.

    Gastrointestinal Disease

    • Gastrointestinal diseases in pet rats are generally a result of bacterial infection. Some of these infections are not treatable and do not respond to drug therapy; supportive treatment is then provided. However, those that do respond to drugs are often treated with a variety of antibiotics, with oxytetracycline being one of the more commonly used ones. Parasitic infection is also possible and treated with antifungals, antiprotozoals and antibiotics as appropriate.

    Infectious Disease

    • Controlling infectious disease is the easiest way to prevent most conditions and the need for any type of medication or treatment. Do not keep pet rats together in large numbers in crowded conditions. Clean living environments on a regular basis and provide plenty of fresh food and water to ensure the best possible nutritional levels in your pet rat.

    Administration

    • Administering pet rat medication may be done by the owner in most instances, but it can be somewhat difficult at first. A ball-tipped needle can be used to provide oral medication to pet rats, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. Medications that are to be injected will likely be administered by a qualified veterinarian.