How do you give a rat an enema? - briefly
Use a sterile, appropriately sized, lubricated catheter and a warm isotonic solution (e.g., 0.9 % saline). Insert the catheter gently into the rat’s rectum, inject 0.2–0.5 ml per 100 g body weight slowly, then keep the animal in a safe recovery cage.
How do you give a rat an enema? - in detail
Administering an enema to a laboratory rat requires sterile equipment, precise dosing, and careful handling to avoid injury and ensure effective delivery of the solution.
First, gather the necessary supplies: a 1‑ml or 2‑ml syringe without a needle, a flexible polyethylene catheter (approximately 0.5 mm outer diameter), sterile isotonic saline or a prescribed therapeutic fluid, a disposable glove, gauze pads, and a clean work surface. Disinfect the catheter and syringe with 70 % ethanol, then rinse with sterile saline.
Prepare the rat by placing it in a restraining board or gently securing it in a supine position on a padded surface. Use a gloved hand to hold the animal’s abdomen, keeping the spine straight to expose the perineal area. Apply a small amount of sterile lubricant to the catheter tip.
Insert the catheter 2–3 mm into the rectum, angling slightly toward the ventral side to follow the natural curvature. Advance slowly; resistance indicates improper placement. Once the tip is positioned, attach the syringe and inject the fluid at a rate of 0.1 ml per 10 g body weight, not exceeding 0.2 ml total for a typical adult rat (≈250 g). Pause briefly after injection to allow the solution to distribute, then gently withdraw the catheter.
After the procedure, hold the rat over a clean absorbent pad to permit evacuation of the enema contents. Observe for normal defecation within a few minutes. Monitor respiration, activity level, and any signs of distress for at least 15 minutes. If the animal shows discomfort, administer a brief dose of analgesic as prescribed by veterinary protocol.
Clean all reusable instruments with enzymatic detergent, rinse thoroughly, and sterilize according to laboratory standards. Dispose of single‑use items in biohazard waste. Record the volume administered, fluid composition, and any observations in the animal’s health log.