How can you remove a tumor from a rat? - briefly
Perform a sterile surgical excision under general anesthesia, using fine microsurgical instruments to isolate and remove the tumor with minimal surrounding tissue damage, followed by wound closure with absorbable sutures and postoperative analgesia. Verify complete removal histologically and monitor the animal for infection or recurrence.
How can you remove a tumor from a rat? - in detail
Surgical excision of a neoplastic mass in a laboratory rat requires strict aseptic technique, precise instrumentation, and careful peri‑operative management.
Pre‑operative preparation begins with health assessment and confirmation of tumor location by palpation or imaging (ultrasound, MRI). The animal is fasted for 4 hours to reduce aspiration risk. Anesthetic induction commonly employs inhalation agents (isoflurane) or injectable combinations (ketamine‑xylazine). Depth of anesthesia is verified by lack of pedal withdrawal and stable respiratory rate.
The surgical field is shaved and disinfected with povidone‑iodine followed by 70 % ethanol. A sterile drape isolates the operative site. A small incision, typically 1–2 cm, is made directly over the lesion using a scalpel with a #11 blade. Blunt dissection separates subcutaneous tissue, exposing the tumor capsule.
If the mass is well‑encapsulated, sharp dissection with microsurgical scissors isolates it from surrounding musculature. Hemostasis is achieved with monopolar electrocautery or fine ligatures (5‑0 or 6‑0 absorbable sutures). The tumor is removed en bloc, minimizing rupture. Specimen handling includes placement in formalin for histopathology.
Closure proceeds in two layers: the muscular fascia is approximated with interrupted 5‑0 absorbable sutures; the skin is closed with either simple interrupted sutures or tissue adhesive, depending on wound size. A sterile gauze dressing may be applied.
Post‑operative care includes monitoring until full recovery from anesthesia, analgesia administration (buprenorphine 0.05 mg/kg subcutaneously every 12 h for 48 h), and daily inspection of the incision for infection or dehiscence. The rat is returned to its cage with softened bedding and a high‑calorie diet to promote healing.
Alternative methods, such as cryoablation, radiofrequency ablation, or intratumoral chemotherapy, may be considered for non‑resectable lesions, but they require separate protocol approval and specialized equipment.
All procedures must comply with institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC) guidelines, ensuring justification, minimization of pain, and humane endpoints.