How to correctly give a tablet to a rat? - briefly
Place the tablet inside a small amount of soft food or a gelatin capsule and present it to the rat, making sure the animal eats the whole dose. Observe the rat briefly to confirm ingestion and watch for any immediate adverse effects.
How to correctly give a tablet to a rat? - in detail
Administering oral medication to a laboratory rat requires precise preparation, safe handling, and accurate dosing. Begin by confirming the tablet’s active ingredient, strength, and required dose based on the animal’s weight. Calculate the dose in milligrams per kilogram, then convert the tablet’s total content to the exact amount needed for the individual rat.
Preparation
- Crush the tablet to a fine powder using a sterile mortar and pestle.
- Dissolve the powder in a minimal volume of distilled water or an appropriate vehicle (e.g., 0.5 % methylcellulose) to create a homogeneous suspension.
- Verify the suspension’s concentration by measuring a small aliquot with a calibrated pipette.
Restraint
- Use a gentle, two‑hand technique: place the rat on a padded surface, hold the scruff of the neck with the thumb and forefinger, and secure the body with the other hand.
- Avoid excessive pressure to prevent injury or stress.
Delivery
- Load a calibrated oral gavage needle (20 G, 1.5 in) with the measured suspension.
- Insert the needle along the midline of the oral cavity, advancing until the tip reaches the esophagus without causing resistance.
- Depress the plunger slowly to release the dose, then withdraw the needle.
- Observe the rat for signs of regurgitation or distress for at least five minutes.
Alternative methods
- Food mixing: Incorporate the powdered tablet into a small, palatable portion of chow or a treat. Ensure the rat consumes the entire portion; otherwise, the dose may be incomplete.
- Pill-pasting: Apply a thin layer of a palatable matrix (e.g., peanut butter) to the tablet and place it directly onto the tongue using a gloved finger. Verify ingestion before releasing the animal.
Post‑administration monitoring
- Record the exact time of dosing, the volume administered, and any immediate reactions.
- Check the rat’s behavior, respiration, and bowel movements at regular intervals (e.g., 30 min, 1 h, 4 h) to detect adverse effects.
- Maintain a log of each administration for future reference and compliance with experimental protocols.
Following these steps ensures accurate, humane, and reproducible delivery of oral tablets to rats.