How should rats be pinned by the nape correctly? - briefly
Grasp the loose skin at the nape with fine forceps, keeping the head elevated while supporting the body to prevent spinal damage. Maintain gentle tension and release the grip promptly after the required intervention.
How should rats be pinned by the nape correctly? - in detail
Secure a rat by the nape using a precise, reproducible technique that minimizes stress and prevents injury. Follow each step methodically.
- Prepare a clean work surface with a non‑slippery mat. Place a soft, sterile pad to protect the animal’s skin.
- Gather tools: fine‑point forceps or a small, smooth‑jawed hemostat, a pair of blunt tweezers, and a disposable needle‑point pin if required for specific procedures.
- Restrain the animal gently by holding the torso with one hand, allowing the forepaws to rest on the pad. Avoid compressing the ribcage.
- With the other hand, locate the base of the skull where the skin folds over the cervical vertebrae. The target area is the loose skin on the dorsal neck, not the underlying muscle.
- Grasp the skin fold using the forceps, applying just enough pressure to lift the tissue without tearing. The pinch should be a few millimeters wide, centered over the nape.
- If a pin is needed, insert it perpendicular to the surface, entering through the skin fold and exiting a short distance away, ensuring the trajectory avoids the spinal column and major blood vessels.
- Maintain the grip until the required procedure is complete. Release the tissue slowly, allowing the skin to return to its natural position before handling the rat again.
Key safety considerations:
- Inspect the animal for signs of distress (e.g., rapid breathing, vocalization) and stop immediately if observed.
- Use sterile instruments for each animal to prevent cross‑contamination.
- Limit the duration of the pinch to the shortest time necessary for the experimental step.
- Verify that the pin or forceps do not penetrate deeper than the dermis; superficial placement ensures the cervical vertebrae remain untouched.
Proper execution of this method yields stable immobilization, facilitating precise surgical or sampling tasks while preserving animal welfare.