How can you wash mice?

How can you wash mice? - briefly

Use a gentle warm‑water rinse with a soft brush, then dry the animal with a lint‑free towel or low‑heat airflow. Keep the water at 30‑35 °C and limit exposure to a few seconds to minimize stress.

How can you wash mice? - in detail

Cleaning laboratory rodents requires a controlled procedure that protects animal welfare, prevents contamination, and yields reproducible results. The following steps outline a complete protocol.

1. Preparation

   • Gather sterile, temperature‑controlled water (37 °C) and a mild, non‑ionic detergent approved for animal use.
   • Assemble a clean, shallow basin or a dedicated mouse‑washing chamber that fits the cage size.
   • Ensure personal protective equipment (gloves, lab coat, eye protection) is worn to avoid cross‑contamination.
   • Pre‑weigh each mouse if body weight will be recorded after cleaning.

2. Restraint and handling

   • Gently grasp the mouse by the base of the tail or use a soft restraining device to minimize stress.
   • Keep the animal’s head elevated to prevent water ingress into the ears and respiratory tract.

3. Washing

   • Submerge the mouse briefly (no longer than 15 seconds) in the warm water to loosen debris.
   • Apply a thin film of diluted detergent with a soft brush or sponge, moving from the dorsal surface toward the ventral side.
   • Rinse thoroughly with fresh warm water to remove all detergent residues; repeat rinsing until the water runs clear.

4. Drying

   • Pat the animal dry with sterile, lint‑free gauze, avoiding vigorous rubbing.
   • Place the mouse in a pre‑warmed recovery cage with absorbent bedding; maintain ambient temperature at 30 °C for 10–15 minutes.
   • Monitor the mouse for normal respiration and mobility before returning it to the primary housing.

5. Post‑procedure documentation

   • Record the date, personnel, water temperature, detergent concentration, and any observations of skin condition.
   • Note any adverse reactions (e.g., excessive grooming, respiratory distress) and report to the veterinary staff.

6. Sanitation

   • Disassemble and sterilize all equipment by autoclaving or using an approved chemical disinfectant.
   • Dispose of used water and bedding according to biohazard regulations.

Adhering to this protocol ensures effective removal of contaminants while maintaining the health and integrity of the subjects.