How do you open an abscess in a rat? - briefly
Under aseptic conditions, anesthetize the rat, make a small sterile scalpel incision over the swollen area, and gently express the pus to drain the abscess.
How do you open an abscess in a rat? - in detail
Perform the procedure under a sterile environment and with appropriate institutional approval.
First, induce anesthesia using an inhalant agent such as isoflurane (induction at 3–5 % in oxygen, maintenance at 1.5–2 %). Verify the absence of reflexes before proceeding.
Place the animal on a heated surgical platform; maintain body temperature at 37 °C with a rectal probe. Apply a sterile drape to expose the affected area.
Prepare the skin with two successive scrubs of 70 % ethanol followed by povidone‑iodine. Allow the antiseptic to dry completely.
Using sterile instruments, follow these steps:
- Incision – Select a scalpel blade (No. 11) and make a linear cut over the most fluctuant region of the lesion. Length should be sufficient to penetrate the capsule without damaging underlying tissue (approximately 3–5 mm for a typical rodent abscess).
- Drainage – Gently apply pressure with sterile forceps or a blunt probe to express purulent material. Collect samples in sterile tubes for microbiological analysis if required.
- Debridement – Use fine scissors or a curette to remove necrotic debris adherent to the cavity walls.
- Irrigation – Flush the cavity with sterile physiological saline (10–20 mL) until the effluent runs clear.
- Hemostasis – Achieve control of minor bleeding with gentle pressure or a brief application of a hemostatic agent (e.g., gelatin sponge).
- Closure – If the incision is small, leave it open to allow continued drainage; otherwise, approximate the skin edges with a single interrupted suture of 5‑0 absorbable material.
After the operation, administer analgesia (e.g., buprenorphine 0.05 mg/kg subcutaneously, every 12 h for 48 h). Monitor the animal for signs of pain, infection, or dehiscence during the recovery period. Provide a clean cage, easy access to food and water, and maintain ambient temperature.
Document the procedure, including the volume of drained fluid, culture results, and any complications, in the animal’s record.