How should mice be properly washed? - briefly
Use a mild, isotonic solution at room temperature, gently agitate the animal for no more than 30 seconds, then rinse with sterile saline and pat dry with a clean, lint‑free cloth.
How should mice be properly washed? - in detail
Washing laboratory mice requires a sterile, humane approach that minimizes stress and prevents contamination. Follow these steps:
- Prepare a clean work surface with a laminar flow hood or biosafety cabinet. Disinfect with 70 % ethanol and allow to dry.
- Assemble equipment: a small, temperature‑controlled water bath (35–37 °C), sterile gauze or soft sponges, disposable gloves, and a sterile container for waste water.
- Restrain each mouse gently using a transparent restrainer or by gripping the base of the tail. Avoid excessive force to prevent injury.
- Wet the gauze with warm water, wring out excess liquid, and wipe the dorsal coat in a single, smooth motion. Repeat on the ventral side, removing debris and excess fur.
- Rinse the animal by briefly immersing the head and forelimbs in the water bath, ensuring the water does not enter the ears or eyes. Immediately dry the skin with a clean, lint‑free towel.
- Apply a mild, non‑ionic surfactant (e.g., 0.05 % Tween‑20) if a deeper clean is required. Apply with a soft sponge, scrub gently for no more than 10 seconds, then rinse thoroughly.
- Observe the mouse for signs of distress or hypothermia. Return it to a pre‑warmed cage and monitor until normal activity resumes.
Key considerations:
- Use only sterile, low‑irritant solutions; avoid soaps containing fragrances or antimicrobial agents that could damage the skin.
- Limit exposure time to water to under 30 seconds to prevent hypothermia.
- Conduct the procedure under a veterinarian‑approved protocol and record each animal’s response.
Proper execution ensures animal welfare, maintains experimental integrity, and reduces the risk of microbial contamination.