How to cool a rat? - briefly
«Place the animal in a well‑ventilated, shaded area, provide chilled water, and apply a cloth‑wrapped ice pack to the back for brief intervals.» «Monitor body temperature continuously and stop cooling if any signs of distress emerge.»
How to cool a rat? - in detail
Cooling a laboratory or pet rat requires rapid reduction of core temperature while preventing hypothermia and stress.
First, assess ambient conditions. Maintain room temperature between 18 °C and 22 °C; lower values accelerate heat loss. Use a calibrated thermostat to avoid fluctuations.
Second, provide a cool surface. Place a thin sheet of chilled, non‑wet gel pack (pre‑cooled to 4 °C) under a breathable mesh. Ensure the pack does not contact the animal directly; a layer of clean cotton prevents frostbite.
Third, increase airflow. A low‑speed fan directed at the cage creates convective cooling without causing drafts that could chill extremities. Adjust fan speed to maintain a gentle breeze (≈0.2 m s⁻¹).
Fourth, offer chilled water. Supply fresh water cooled to 10 °C in a stainless‑steel bottle. Replace the bottle every two hours to prevent bacterial growth.
Fifth, monitor physiological signs. Record rectal temperature at 5‑minute intervals using a lubricated digital probe. Target a decrease of 1 °C per 10 minutes until the reading reaches 35 °C, then maintain that level.
Sixth, limit activity. Reduce handling and provide a darkened enclosure to lower metabolic heat production.
Seventh, emergency protocol. If temperature falls below 34 °C, remove the cooling devices, place the rat on a warmed pad (37 °C), and re‑measure.
Applying these steps in sequence achieves controlled temperature reduction while preserving animal welfare.