How do you bathe mice? - briefly
Place the mouse in a shallow container of warm (30‑32 °C) water for 15–30 seconds, gently wetting the fur with a soft brush or cotton swab, then immediately dry with a low‑heat hair dryer or absorbent paper. Keep the animal warm and observe for signs of stress throughout the process.
How do you bathe mice? - in detail
Bathing laboratory mice requires careful preparation, appropriate equipment, and strict adherence to animal‑welfare protocols.
First, gather supplies: a shallow, temperature‑controlled plastic tub (≈ 100 ml capacity); distilled or deionized water warmed to 30–32 °C; a mild, non‑ionic surfactant approved for rodents (e.g., 0.05 % Tween‑80); soft brushes or gauze pads; absorbent towels; a warming cage or heating pad; and personal protective equipment. Sterilize all items before use.
Second, restrain the animal safely. Apply brief isoflurane anesthesia (2–3 % in oxygen) or use a gentle manual restraint technique if the protocol permits. Verify loss of righting reflex before proceeding.
Third, execute the cleaning sequence:
- Place the mouse in the water, ensuring the head remains above the surface to prevent aspiration.
- Gently massage the body for 10–15 seconds with the surfactant‑diluted solution to loosen debris and secretions.
- Rinse thoroughly with fresh warm water for another 10 seconds, avoiding excessive force.
- Remove the mouse, pat dry with a towel, and immediately transfer to a pre‑warmed recovery cage (≈ 32 °C) for 5–10 minutes until normal activity resumes.
Finally, monitor post‑bath health. Check for signs of hypothermia, skin irritation, or respiratory distress. Record the procedure in the animal‑care log, noting anesthesia duration, water temperature, and any abnormalities.
The outlined protocol minimizes stress, prevents skin damage, and ensures consistent hygiene for experimental rodents.