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Treatment

Treatment for this bacterial infection is often not an effective option. Broad-spectrum antibiotic drugs may be used in some recovering cases, along with administration of supportive therapy with fluids and electrolyte supplements to aid your rat in its recovery.

Living and Management

Segregate any rat that is affected with this bacterial infection from your other rat, and from other household animals. Because this infection is also transmissible to humans, you will need to take care while handling your rat during recovery. Wearing disposable gloves and changing your outer clothing will be necessary during the period that your rat is capable of transmitting the infection.

While it is important to take note that this is a serious infection that often has a fatal outcome, not all rats die as a result of infection, so you may choose to encourage recovery. Your rat will be very weak during this time and will need your maximum care. Consult your veterinarian regarding the care and diet to be given to your pet rat during the recovery period.

Prevention

Salmonellosis infection is highly contagious and is mainly transmitted in rats through ingestion of food and water contaminated with infected feces, urine and bedding material. Therefore, properly cleaning the cages regularly, removing any feces and urine, and changing soiled bedding material routinely are essential.

As much as possible, try to avoid housing rats of different age groups together, or new rats with established rats. Following these simple steps will go a long way in helping to prevent the spread of salmonellosis bacterial infection amongst rats.