How do you give a rat tablets? - briefly
Mix the tablet into a bite‑size piece of softened food or a flavored treat and offer it to the rat, confirming that it eats the entire portion. If the medication is water‑soluble, dissolve it in a minimal amount of water and administer the dose with a calibrated pipette directly into the mouth.
How do you give a rat tablets? - in detail
Administering oral medication to a laboratory rat requires preparation, restraint, and precise delivery to ensure accurate dosing and animal welfare.
First, determine the correct dose based on the rat’s weight and the tablet’s concentration. Convert the required milligrams to a volume that can be measured accurately, using a calibrated syringe or pipette.
Choose a delivery method:
- Food or water incorporation – crush the tablet to a fine powder, dissolve or evenly disperse it in a small amount of palatable food (e.g., soft mash) or water. Offer the mixture when the animal is hungry. Verify complete consumption; otherwise, repeat with a fresh portion.
- Oral gavage – use a flexible gavage needle matched to the rat’s size (typically 20‑22 G for adult rats). Load the calculated volume of liquid suspension into a syringe. Restrain the rat by gently wrapping it in a towel, extend the neck, and insert the needle along the palate to the esophagus. Administer the dose in a single, smooth motion. Observe for regurgitation or aspiration.
- Pill gun (oral dosing gun) – load the intact tablet into the barrel, align the tip with the rat’s mouth, and depress the plunger to place the tablet directly onto the back of the tongue. This method works best with cooperative or lightly restrained animals.
Prepare the tablet:
- Crush (if required) – place the tablet in a pill crusher or between two sterile surfaces; pulverize to a fine powder.
- Suspend – add a small volume of sterile water, saline, or a flavored vehicle (e.g., 1 % methylcellulose) to create a uniform suspension. Vortex briefly to prevent clumping.
- Label – mark the container with drug name, concentration, date, and dosage.
During administration, monitor the rat for signs of distress, choking, or abnormal behavior. Record the exact time and dose given. After dosing, return the animal to its cage and provide fresh food and water.
Cleaning and sanitation:
- Disinfect gavage needles and pill guns after each use with 70 % ethanol or an approved disinfectant.
- Dispose of any leftover suspension according to institutional hazardous waste protocols.
By following these steps, tablets can be delivered reliably, minimizing dosing errors and ensuring the animal’s wellbeing.