How should I give a rat liquid medication? - briefly
Use a calibrated oral syringe to place the measured dose at the back of the rat’s mouth while gently restraining it, then allow the animal to swallow by holding it upright briefly. Clean the syringe immediately after administration.
How should I give a rat liquid medication? - in detail
Administering oral liquid medication to a rat requires precision, gentle handling, and appropriate tools. Follow these steps to ensure accurate dosing and minimize stress for the animal.
First, calculate the exact dose. Multiply the prescribed milligrams per kilogram by the rat’s weight (in kilograms). Convert the result to milliliters using the concentration indicated on the medication label. Record the volume for reference.
Prepare the equipment. Use a calibrated syringe (1 ml or 0.5 ml) with a fine‑gauge needle or a blunt‑ended oral gavage needle designed for rodents. Ensure the syringe is clean and free of air bubbles. Warm the medication to room temperature if it has been refrigerated; cold liquids can cause aversion.
Restrain the rat securely yet gently. Place the animal on a soft surface, hold it with one hand around the neck and back, keeping the head slightly elevated. The other hand steadies the syringe. Avoid excessive pressure that could injure the cervical spine.
Deliver the medication. Insert the needle or gavage tube into the mouth, directing it toward the back of the throat, not the esophagus. Advance slowly until the tip is just past the incisors. Depress the plunger steadily to release the measured volume. Observe the rat’s swallowing; a brief pause indicates successful ingestion.
After administration, hold the rat upright for a few seconds to allow the liquid to settle. Release the animal into its cage and monitor for normal breathing and behavior. Record the time of dosing and any immediate reactions.
Clean and disinfect all reusable tools. Store any remaining medication according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, noting expiration dates.
If the rat resists or regurgitates, repeat the procedure with a fresh dose, ensuring the animal is calm and the equipment is correctly positioned. Persistent difficulty may require alternative delivery methods, such as mixing the medication with a palatable vehicle (e.g., fruit puree) and offering it voluntarily, provided the dosage remains accurate.