How to easily stitch a rat? - briefly
Use a sterile fine‑gauge suture (5‑0 or 6‑0 monofilament) with a microsurgical needle holder to place simple interrupted knots along the incision, aligning wound edges precisely. Apply even tension, secure the closure with a few firm knots, and cover with an appropriate antiseptic dressing.
How to easily stitch a rat? - in detail
To suture a laboratory rat efficiently, follow a controlled sequence that minimizes tissue trauma and reduces operative time.
First, induce anesthesia with an inhalant agent such as isoflurane, adjusting the concentration to maintain a surgical plane of depth while monitoring respiration and reflexes. Verify the absence of pedal withdrawal before proceeding.
Prepare the operative field by shaving the target area with fine clippers, then cleanse with a sterile solution of povidone‑iodine followed by 70 % ethanol. Drape the site with sterile gauze to maintain asepsis.
Select appropriate instruments: a fine-toothed microsurgical needle holder, curved micro‑scissors, and a suture material of 5‑0 or 6‑0 monofilament nylon. Load the needle so the curvature matches the wound orientation.
Execute the suturing technique as follows:
- Approximate wound edges with gentle traction using the needle holder.
- Insert the needle at a 90° angle to the tissue, entering the epidermis on one side, then pass through to the opposite side, ensuring a uniform bite of 1–2 mm.
- Pull the suture through, leaving a short tail.
- Repeat the pass on the adjacent edge to create a simple interrupted stitch.
- Tie a square knot: two throws forward, two throws reverse, maintaining tension without strangulating tissue.
- Cut the suture flush with the skin surface.
- Continue with additional stitches at 2–3 mm intervals until the incision is closed.
After closure, apply a thin layer of sterile petroleum jelly to prevent desiccation, then place a non‑adhesive dressing if required. Monitor the animal during recovery, ensuring normal breathing and movement. Provide analgesia, such as buprenorphine at 0.05 mg/kg subcutaneously, every 12 hours for 48 hours.
Document the procedure, noting suture material, number of stitches, and any complications. This systematic approach yields reliable wound healing and reduces postoperative stress.