How is rat castration performed? - briefly
Following anesthesia and sterile preparation, a dorsal scrotal incision is made, the testes are exteriorized, the spermatic cords are ligated and transected, and the wound is closed with sutures or tissue adhesive. This method provides rapid, permanent sterilization with minimal postoperative discomfort.
How is rat castration performed? - in detail
Rat castration is carried out under general anesthesia to eliminate pain and ensure immobility. The typical anesthetic regimen includes isoflurane inhalation or an injectable combination of ketamine and xylazine, administered at doses calibrated to the animal’s weight. After induction, the rat is placed on a heated surgical platform, and the ventral abdomen is shaved and sterilized with povidone‑iodine followed by 70 % ethanol.
The surgeon uses a sterile scalpel or fine scissors to make a midline incision of approximately 1 cm, exposing the testes and supporting structures. The steps are:
- Isolation – Gently retract the skin and muscle to reveal the spermatic cords.
- Ligature – Apply a 5‑0 or 6‑0 absorbable suture (e.g., polyglactin) around each cord, tying a secure knot to prevent hemorrhage.
- Transection – Using fine scissors, cut the cord distal to the ligature, removing the testis.
- Repeat – Perform the same procedure on the contralateral side.
- Closure – Approximate the muscle layer with a simple interrupted suture of absorbable material; close the skin with a single non‑absorbable or absorbable stitch or apply tissue adhesive.
Throughout the operation, maintain sterile technique, monitor respiratory rate and reflexes, and keep the animal’s body temperature constant. After suturing, the rat is transferred to a recovery cage with a warming pad and supplied with soft bedding. Analgesia, typically meloxicam or buprenorphine, is administered subcutaneously at the end of surgery and continued for 48–72 hours to control postoperative discomfort.
Post‑operative observation includes checking incision integrity, monitoring for swelling, bleeding, or infection, and ensuring normal feeding and grooming behavior. If any complications arise, veterinary intervention should be initiated promptly.
All procedures must comply with institutional animal care and use guidelines, requiring approval from an ethics committee and adherence to the principles of reduction, refinement, and replacement.