How do you bathe a laboratory rat? - briefly
To wash a lab rat, gently restrain the animal, immerse it briefly in lukewarm water with a mild, non‑irritating soap, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry with a soft towel.
How do you bathe a laboratory rat? - in detail
Bathing a laboratory rat requires preparation, gentle handling, and strict hygiene to protect both the animal and the researcher.
Begin by assembling all necessary materials: a small stainless‑steel or plastic basin, warm distilled water (35–37 °C), a mild, laboratory‑approved detergent or enzymatic cleanser, soft lint‑free cloths, absorbent towels, a low‑profile restraining device, and personal protective equipment (gloves, lab coat, eye protection). Verify that the water temperature is consistent with the animal’s normal body temperature to avoid thermal stress.
Prior to the procedure, acclimate the rat to the restraining device for several minutes to reduce agitation. Place the animal in a calm environment, handle it with a gentle grip on the base of the tail and the scruff of the neck, and transfer it swiftly to the basin. Submerge the rat only to the level of the forelimbs, keeping the head above water at all times.
The bathing sequence proceeds as follows:
- Wet the coat – Apply a thin stream of warm water using a squeeze bottle or gentle showerhead, ensuring even coverage without forceful jets.
- Apply cleanser – Dispense a small amount of the approved detergent onto a damp cloth; rub the fur in slow, circular motions, focusing on areas prone to contamination (ventral surface, perianal region, and tail base). Avoid contact with the eyes, ears, and mucous membranes.
- Rinse thoroughly – Remove all soap residues by repeatedly flushing the coat with clean warm water. Verify that no bubbles remain, as residual detergent can irritate the skin.
- Dry the animal – Pat the fur gently with absorbent towels, then place the rat in a pre‑warmed, low‑draft cage or a warming pad set to 30 °C for 5–10 minutes. Monitor the animal for signs of hypothermia or distress.
After the bath, inspect the skin for lesions, abrasions, or signs of infection. Record the date, time, water temperature, cleanser used, and any observations regarding the animal’s behavior or health status in the laboratory log. Return the rat to its home cage only when fully dry and calm.
Maintain strict aseptic technique throughout the process: disinfect the basin before and after each use, replace towels between animals, and dispose of used cleaning solutions according to institutional biohazard protocols. Regular bathing intervals should be determined by experimental requirements and veterinary guidance, typically no more than once weekly to prevent skin barrier disruption.