How should a rat's nose be rinsed? - briefly
Use a sterile isotonic saline solution applied with a fine‑tipped pipette or syringe while the rat is gently restrained and its head slightly tilted to allow fluid to flow through the nasal passages without causing distress.
How should a rat's nose be rinsed? - in detail
Cleaning the nasal cavity of a laboratory or pet rat requires a sterile, gentle approach to avoid tissue damage and infection. Prepare all materials before handling the animal: sterile isotonic saline (0.9 % NaCl), a soft polyethylene tubing or a 1‑ml syringe with a blunt cannula, sterile gauze, disposable gloves, and a warming pad to maintain body temperature.
- Restrain the rat securely but minimally. Use a soft towel or a restraining tube, ensuring the head is accessible and the animal remains calm.
- Position the rat in a supine orientation with the head slightly elevated. This facilitates drainage and prevents aspiration.
- Load the syringe with 0.2–0.3 ml of warmed saline per nostril. The solution should be at body temperature (≈37 °C) to prevent vasoconstriction.
- Insert the blunt cannula just inside the external naris, angling it toward the nasal passage without reaching the septum. Advance no more than 2 mm.
- Gently depress the plunger, delivering the saline in a slow, steady stream. Observe the flow; if resistance is felt, withdraw and reposition the tip.
- Allow the fluid to exit naturally or assist by gently massaging the nasal bridge. Use sterile gauze to absorb any overflow.
- Repeat the procedure on the opposite nostril with a fresh dose of saline.
- After rinsing, monitor the rat for signs of distress, respiratory difficulty, or bleeding. Return the animal to a warm environment and observe for at least 10 minutes.
Maintain a log of the procedure, noting volume used, temperature of the solution, and any adverse reactions. Discard all disposable items according to biosafety protocols and disinfect reusable equipment with an appropriate antiseptic.