01/12/2021
Nebulisers are medication delivery devices used to administer such medicines in the form of a mist inhaled into the lungs. They can be extremely useful in rodent veterinary care!
Respiratory disease is sadly all too common in our rodent companions. Nebulisation is not a replacement for oral/injectable/systemic medications, but may compliment treatment protocols for certain conditions very well. Some animals may even benefit from saline-only nebulisation sessions dependant on the condition at hand.
Points to consider:
• Only attempt nebulisation with veterinary direction. The cause of respiratory disease must be established prior to treatment. Please also note this is not a replacement for other treatments.
• Homemade containers such as plastic boxes of suitable sizes can be used to place the patient in for nebulisation. Pierce with multiple air holes and also an opening for the tip of the nebuliser. There are small, handheld nebulisers that are inexpensive and also produce far less noise, these are usually suitable. However, the nebuliser must also produce small enough particle sizes for it to be successful.
• Animals must be continuously monitored throughout their nebulisation therapy, as there can be complications such as airway spasm, excess fluid deposition and stress, that can all worsen respiratory symptoms.
• If possible, lubricate the eyes of the animal prior to placing in the container to reduce risk of ulceration.
• Nebulisation therapy sessions should usually last between 5-20 minutes depending on medication administered and patient tolerance.
Personally, I suggest all rodent owners (particularly those with large numbers of rodents) to invest in a nebuliser to keep with other home first aid supplies! They can really make a difference for some animals, particularly those with chronic respiratory problems! 🙂
