How do you give an injection to a rat’s foot? - briefly
Secure the rat, disinfect the plantar pad, and inject the desired volume subcutaneously with a 27‑30 G needle at a shallow angle, inserting just enough to reach the subdermal tissue. Withdraw the needle slowly, apply gentle pressure to the site, and monitor the animal for any adverse reaction.
How do you give an injection to a rat’s foot? - in detail
Administering a subcutaneous or intradermal dose into the hind foot of a laboratory rat requires strict adherence to aseptic technique, precise anatomy knowledge, and careful animal handling.
First, gather all materials: sterile 27‑30 G needle, appropriate syringe (0.5–1 mL), anesthetic or sedative if required, disinfectant (70 % ethanol), cotton swabs, gauze, sharps container, and a restraining device such as a soft‑tipped tube or a blanket fold. Verify the drug’s concentration, calculate the exact volume for the animal’s weight, and label the syringe clearly.
Restrain the rat gently but securely. Place the animal on a padded surface, hold the hind limbs with the thumb and forefinger, and keep the foot extended. If using a tube, insert the rat head‑first, leaving the hind foot exposed. Avoid excessive pressure that could cause stress or injury.
Identify the injection site: the dorsal surface of the hind foot, between the first and second digits, where the skin is thin and the underlying tissue is subcutaneous. Clean the area with a single swipe of ethanol; allow it to evaporate before proceeding.
Insert the needle at a 10–15° angle to the skin surface, bevel up, penetrating just enough to enter the subcutaneous space without reaching bone. Aspirate gently to confirm no blood return. Deliver the calculated dose slowly, typically over 1–2 seconds, to prevent tissue rupture. Withdraw the needle promptly, applying light pressure with sterile gauze to minimize bleeding.
Observe the rat for at least five minutes post‑injection. Monitor for signs of distress, excessive swelling, or hemorrhage. Record the procedure details—including animal ID, drug, dose, needle gauge, injection site, and any adverse observations—in the laboratory notebook.
Dispose of the needle and syringe in a designated sharps container. Clean the work area with disinfectant, and ensure all equipment is either discarded or sterilized according to institutional biosafety protocols.