How to apply ear drops to a rat? - briefly
Hold the rat gently, tilt its head so the ear canal faces upward, and use a calibrated pipette to place the prescribed drop(s) into the canal without touching the ear. Massage the base of the ear for a few seconds to spread the medication, then allow the animal to recover in a quiet area.
How to apply ear drops to a rat? - in detail
Administering otic solution to a laboratory rat requires preparation, restraint, precise dosing, and post‑application monitoring.
First, gather sterile ear‑dropper, the prescribed medication, gauze pads, and a clean work surface. Verify the concentration and volume required for the animal’s weight; typical dosing ranges from 0.02 ml to 0.05 ml per ear for a 250‑g rat. Warm the medication to room temperature to prevent vestibular irritation.
Second, restrain the rat safely. Use a gentle hand‑towel technique: place the animal on a soft surface, cover the body with a towel, and expose the head while keeping the limbs immobilized. Avoid excessive force that could cause stress or injury.
Third, locate the external auditory canal. Gently pull the pinna forward to straighten the canal. Hold the dropper upright, avoiding contact with the skin. Administer the calculated volume dropwise, allowing the liquid to flow into the canal without forcing it.
Fourth, maintain the head position for 30–60 seconds. This encourages distribution of the medication and prevents immediate drainage. Observe for any signs of leakage or resistance.
Fifth, repeat the procedure on the opposite ear if indicated. After completion, clean any excess fluid with a sterile gauze pad. Return the rat to its cage and monitor for adverse reactions such as head tilt, excessive scratching, or discharge for at least 15 minutes.
Document the date, time, drug name, concentration, dose, and any observations in the animal’s record. This ensures reproducibility and compliance with veterinary protocols.