Here's some ratguide info:
The following dosage guideline, for use of enrofloxacin in rats with serious respiratory infection suspected to have Mycoplasma as the pathogen, is recommended by Dr. Michael Hutchinson, DVM; Animal General, Cranberry Township, PA. 18 , and is based on his experience treating rats and current literature:
15 mg/kg, PO (oral), BID ,for 10 to 30 days: directly related to severity of illness.
Treatment is initiated early, and aggressively, starting with 15 mg/kg for 10 days followed by assessment of the ratâs progress, and may be continued at that dose based on veterinary discretion.
For repeated URI (upper respiratory infection)unresponsive to enrofloxacin alone or when serious to advanced lung infection is present, treatment regimen incorporating enrofloxacin (Baytril) 15 mg/kg , PO , BID ,along with doxycycline, nebulized agents ( gentocin and albuterol), and dexamethasone can be initiated. For information on Dr.Hutchinsonâs treatment regimen see articles: Mycoplasma or Pneumonia in the Health section of the Rat Guide.
Because Mycoplasma is probably never eliminated entirely from the airways, it often becomes necessary to use pulse antibiotic therapy (long term, intermittent, dosing), or a continuing maintenance schedule of antibiotics for rats with chronic Mycoplasmosis.
Dr. Hutchinson has had some success with the long term, maintenance dosing of enrofloxacin 15 mg/kg BID PO (or in the presence of renal disease 8 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg BID) in conjunction with doxycycline 5 mg/kg BID PO, and based on his experience no discernable side effects have been noted.
For appropriate dosing in pulse antibiotic therapy for chronic illness, discuss with veterinarian.
