How do you feed a rat an antibiotic? - briefly
Combine the prescribed dose with a small amount of soft food such as wet mash or a gelatin cube, ensuring the rat consumes the entire portion before offering regular chow. For water‑soluble formulations, a calibrated gavage syringe can deliver the exact volume directly into the oral cavity.
How do you feed a rat an antibiotic? - in detail
Administering an antibiotic to a laboratory rat requires precise dosage calculation, appropriate delivery method, and strict hygiene.
Determine the required dose based on the animal’s weight and the drug’s recommended concentration (mg kg⁻¹). Weigh the rat on a calibrated scale, record the mass to the nearest gram, and multiply by the prescribed dosage. Prepare the solution in sterile saline or water, adjusting the volume so that the final concentration permits accurate measurement with a calibrated pipette or syringe.
Select a delivery technique that ensures complete ingestion:
- Oral gavage – use a flexible, appropriately sized feeding needle. Load the calculated volume, verify the absence of air bubbles, and insert the needle gently along the palate to the esophagus. Administer the solution in a single, smooth motion to avoid regurgitation.
- Medicated food – blend the antibiotic into a palatable, nutritionally balanced mash. Ensure uniform distribution by mixing thoroughly. Offer the prepared mash in a clean dish, monitoring consumption to confirm full intake.
- Drinking water – dissolve the drug in the animal’s water supply, adjusting concentration to deliver the target dose based on average daily fluid intake. Replace the solution daily to maintain potency and prevent bacterial growth.
Observe the rat for adverse reactions during and after administration. Record any signs of distress, changes in behavior, or gastrointestinal upset. Maintain a clean environment; disinfect all equipment between uses and dispose of sharps according to institutional biosafety protocols.
Document the entire process: animal identification, weight, calculated dose, preparation details, administration method, and post‑administration observations. This record supports reproducibility and compliance with ethical standards.