How can I give an antibiotic to a rat? - briefly
Administer the antibiotic orally with a calibrated gavage needle or incorporate it into the drinking water at the recommended concentration; for precise dosing, a subcutaneous injection using a sterile syringe is also suitable. Ensure dosage is calculated per kilogram of body weight and follow aseptic technique throughout the procedure.
How can I give an antibiotic to a rat? - in detail
Administering an antibiotic to a laboratory rat requires careful selection of route, dosage calculation, and aseptic technique.
First, determine the appropriate drug, spectrum of activity, and required dosage based on the animal’s weight (typically expressed in mg kg⁻¹). Use a reliable source such as the Veterinary Medicine Handbook to obtain the recommended dose and interval. Multiply the dose by the rat’s weight to obtain the exact amount of active ingredient. Prepare the solution in sterile saline or appropriate vehicle, ensuring the final concentration permits accurate measurement with a calibrated syringe.
Common routes of administration include:
- Oral gavage – insert a flexible feeding needle to the esophagus, deliver the calculated volume directly to the stomach. Verify correct placement by observing smooth passage and absence of resistance.
- Incorporation into food or water – dissolve or suspend the antibiotic in the diet or drinking water, adjusting concentration to achieve the target daily intake. Monitor consumption to confirm adequate dosing.
- Subcutaneous injection – use a 27‑30 G needle, inject into the dorsal flank region, avoiding major vessels. This method provides rapid absorption for many agents.
- Intraperitoneal injection – employ a 26‑28 G needle, insert at a shallow angle into the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. Suitable for drugs requiring systemic distribution when oral routes are unsuitable.
When using injections, follow these steps:
- Sterilize the injection site with 70 % isopropanol.
- Draw the prepared solution into a sterile syringe, removing air bubbles.
- Administer the dose slowly to minimize tissue irritation.
- Apply gentle pressure with sterile gauze to prevent bleeding.
After each administration, observe the rat for signs of distress, altered behavior, or adverse reactions. Record the time of dosing, volume delivered, and any observations in the animal’s health log.
If the antibiotic is unstable in water, limit the exposure period to the time required for consumption and replace the solution daily. For drugs with poor palatability, consider flavor masking agents approved for laboratory use.
Maintain compliance with institutional animal care guidelines, ensuring that all procedures are performed by trained personnel under approved protocols. Proper documentation, accurate dosing, and vigilant monitoring together ensure effective treatment while minimizing stress and risk to the animal.