How is a rat's skin removed? - briefly
The skin is excised by making a dorsal incision and gently separating it from the underlying tissue with scissors or a scalpel. The procedure must follow proper euthanasia protocols and comply with ethical and legal regulations.
How is a rat's skin removed? - in detail
The procedure for removing a rat’s integument requires precision, appropriate tools, and adherence to humane and ethical standards.
Begin by preparing the work area. Place a dissection tray lined with absorbent material. Ensure the animal is euthanized according to approved protocols; confirm the absence of reflexes before proceeding.
Gather the following instruments:
- Sharp scalpel or dissecting knife
- Fine forceps
- Scissors with blunt tips
- Dissection pins
- Protective gloves and lab coat
Follow these steps:
- Position the carcass dorsal side up. Secure the limbs with pins to prevent movement.
- Make a longitudinal incision along the ventral midline, starting just posterior to the mandible and extending to the base of the tail. Use a smooth, continuous cut to avoid tearing.
- Extend the incision laterally on both sides, following the natural curvature of the rib cage, until the skin reaches the forelimb and hindlimb joints.
- Grasp the edge of the skin with forceps and gently separate it from the underlying musculature. Apply steady, even traction while using the scalpel to cut connective tissue that adheres the dermis to the fascia.
- Continue the dissection around each limb, carefully cutting through the brachial and femoral fascia to free the skin without damaging the muscle layers.
- Once the skin is fully detached, lift it away from the body and place it on a separate tray for further analysis or preservation.
- Inspect the specimen for any remaining adherent tissue. Remove residual fascia with scissors or a scalpel, ensuring a clean separation.
Dispose of waste materials according to institutional biohazard protocols. Clean and sterilize all instruments before storage.